Shogunate Pride

by Bluestar076

In the region of Caelum, miles away from the guild of Fairy Tail, there's a special guild made of samurais that is always ready to dive into new adventures to save their region from supernatural threats by clashing their weapons. This is their story, as a girl that controls both light and darkness joins them (SYOC Closed.)

18. Samurai Best Buddy Simulator

Shogunate Pride Chapter 16: Samurai Best Buddy Simulator

By Bluestar076

Hello everyone! Bluestar here with a new chapter, the first one I do for a story for 2024! As many of you return to your regular schedules, I hope you passed some good holidays! And now that I've rested enough, we can finally start to be operative again, hoping to have the same level of productivity as last year! And of course, the first thing is to work on this story! Now that we'll go to the next stage, I can't help but be excited! Like I said last time, this chapter will be the first interlude! Between one arc and another, there will be some break chapters to give the characters some air to breathe and to not be rushed or make the story's atmosphere too intense. These chapters will mostly consist of smaller adventures or comical/cute situations to explore more of the characters in-depth. So this one will be more relaxed than the others! With this said, we can open up this new year with hope and dive into today's chapter! As always, I hope you enjoy it!

Note: I do not own Fairy Tail. All rights and characters belong to Hiro Mashima, A-1 Pictures, and CloverWorks.

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Chapter 16/Interlude I: Samurai Best Buddy Simulator

Caelum – Capital of Eienniwa – Imperial Palace – A few days after Chimera Tribe's defeat.

Eienniwa. The capital of the region of Caelum and the core of its grand empire. A grand, inhabited, and prosperous town that for centuries showed off the pride of the region itself, both from a commercial aspect…and from a militaristic one.

For those centuries, the gigantic imperial palace stood in the middle of the city, controlling it from above. It was a huge Japanese palace of 65 meters in height and 150 meters in width. It was guarded by four long walls, each one with at least 300 soldiers guarding it and making sure that no one suspected would come closer. Inside the walls, there were large yards where the soldiers practiced and gardens full of flowers, lake fountains, and cherry trees that gave the place a spot in the 10 most beautiful locations in all of Earthland. The inside was almost like a labyrinth of hallways, meeting places, and personal rooms, making it full of people inside every day. After checking out his army…one person, in particular, was moving around the palace…searching for its main room.

The echo of his iron boots stepping to the floor could be heard, and those who were inside the palace could see his imposing figure coming closer. As soon as they saw him, they widened their eyes and made a salute for respect while he was passing.

This figure was a forty-two-year-old man with long white hair collected in a medium-length ponytail and yellow eyes. He was wearing black samurai armor with yellow features at the borders, two large shrugs of the same color, two long katanas attached to his basin, and a white cape on his back. He was holding his helmet in his left hand.

This man kept on walking throughout the palace for a while until he was able to reach the room he was searching for, as soon he saw a door with two golden dragons circling.

The two large soldiers who were guarding it were talking between them, but when they saw the man, they immediately stood at attention and saluted him. "Sir!" They both said in unison, making him pass. The man nodded at the two of them and then entered inside. He reached none less…than the throne room.

It was a one-way long room with the floor covered by a long red carpet. On the sides, several soldiers stood still with their weapons at their ready and perfectly symmetrical alongside several flags resembling the empire and large columns that were holding the hall, which was covered in gold. On the other side of the room, there was a long staircase made out of 100 steps that led to a golden throne that stood in front of a golden statue of a halo emitting light rays. On top of the throne, there were a few ministers and maids who were talking with the figure sitting on it. When they turned around, they saw the figure that got inside, made a small bow, and moved away.

The armored man made a few steps to reach the center of the hall…and kneeled.

"I've come to give my reports of the land…your imperial highness."

Akechi Shōwa – 43rd Shogun of Caelum – Captain of the Shinsengumi

As soon as she heard him…the figure sitting on the throne raised her head to see him. As soon as she did that, all the other people inside the room made a small bow.

It was a nineteen-year-old girl with orange medium-length hair and eyes of the same color. She was wearing a dark-colored bodysuit over a lilac kimono, whose sleeves completely covered her arms and were looped over her middle fingers. The kimono also had a badge with the emblem of the empire and a crimson bow on the back. She was wearing dark purple thigh-high stockings and high-heeled sandals.

This young yet majestic young girl was none other than the one ruling over the land of Caelum.

Eto Kagayaku – 50th Empress of Caelum

The girl looked at the shogun with a noble and serious stare at first…but after a few minutes of silence…her expression turned into a more ecstatic and childish expression, and then…

"AKECHI-KUUUUUUUUUUN!" With a yell of happiness, Eto stood up on her throne and made a large jump towards Akechi, panicking everyone in the room, who gasped and shouted with wide eyes, including Akechi.

"YOUR HIGHNESS, WAIT-" Before he could do something, he found himself crashed down on the floor, with the empress squeezing him in a strong hug.

"Oh, you don't have any idea how happy I am whenever I see you!" The girl said.

"I-I'm happy to hear it, but please stand up!" Akechi countered.

"Oh, right! My baaad!" Eto replied while standing up and scratching the back of her head like a prankful child. The shogun could finally stand up and check her out extremely worried.

"You know you can't do things like that, your highness! Are you hurt?" Akechi then asked.

"Naaaaah! It's not the first time I've done something like this! I've become an expert through time!" Eto said before hugging him again. "You know I can't help but love everyone in here…" At that, Akechi blushed a little, a bit embarrassed. The girl then got out. "And to prove it once again, here you go! A popsicle!" She said, offering a popsicle.

The shogun was surprised and a bit moved by that. "Y-You're too kind, my empress…"

"Naaah! This is nothing compared to what you do! Speaking of which! You said you had some reports, right? How about you tell me during a walk?" Eto then proposed.

"Well…if this is your will…" Akechi replied before following her. Before they could go, the empress turned around at the rest of the people inside the hall. "You can go back to your duties! Empress Eto out!" With that, both of them exited, with all the ministers, soldiers and maids still stumbled.

Akechi was following the young empress, who was walking forward almost dancing. "So, what good news do you have for me? You know I want to know everything, even bad news! Even if I tend to hyperventilate for them…" Eto then asked.

"Well, during these last days, things have been peaceful enough in the empire. The guards placed in Michaerya had increased their activities and became more productive and careful. It seems that after that 'monster' story was solved, they felt more comfortable. We also have an increase of 5% in commercial activities with both the Pergrande kingdom and the kingdom of Fiore."

By hearing that, Eto had stars in her eyes and jumped on the spot several times. "YATTA! This means that my ideas have worked! Pound it!" She then asked for a fist bump from Akechi. The shogun had a sweat drop with that, but still made the fist bump. "I'm so happy to hear it! It implies that I'm doing my job as an empress!"

"You had any doubt, your highness?" Akechi asked.

At that question, Eto turned around a bit embarrassed. "Well…you know it hasn't been that long since my father passed away and I succeeded him, so naturally a bit of pressure comes by! I want to make sure everyone keeps that smile in this empire just as my father managed to do so back then!"

"Yes. A tragic loss indeed for Caelum…" Akechi said. "But I can say for sure that you're doing your best as well, your highness."

"Awww, you're so sweet, Akechi-kun!" Eto said. "Anyways, I knew we would have had it with the other two kingdoms! I and Queen Hisui have a biiiig bond! We used to play together when we were five…although our fathers would have argued often. Aaaah…good times." She then commented. "Speaking of which, how are the reconstructions of the Great Akihabara Market going?"

"They're proceeding without too many interruptions, and they're making sure to expand their defenses around the central tower. The mayor told us that it may stay closed even for months. They surely avoided a disaster…although in my opinion…it's because we left them too exposed…if we doubled the control in that place, maybe they wouldn't have entered that easily." Akechi answered, adding his opinion.

Somehow, that last comment bothered Eto, who glanced at him. "Akechi! I cannot hear such a thing! Don't you remember the report of the soldiers? There were already a lot of them, some even died! Plus, we cannot make the inhabitants and the clients feel more pressure if there's a soldier behind every corner. They were going against a guild, they did their best! We cannot make them cannon folder!"

"My empress-" Akechi was about to explain but restrained himself and sighed. "Yes, you're right. I apologize." He added before making a small bow.

Even though she seemed annoyed, Eto quickly made a smile with her eyes closed. "You're forgiven. Those soldiers worked hard to defend that market, after all! And besides, we were glad that our… 'other group' had answered, right? Even though they're an independent part of our army, we can always rely on them, eh?"

"Right. Shogunate Pride. They surely made the most of the work, even though they're a bit…chaotic, if I may add. But once again, they showed a great talent." Akechi commented.

"True, true, but hey! Everyone needs to be a bit extroverted right? If not, I would find the world a veeeeeeeeeeeery boring place! So don't feel bad about it!" the empress commented. At that moment, an advisor reached the two.

"Your Highness, the two Polo teams have arrived for the play."

Eto gasped once again, with stars in their eyes. "YES! THE POLO! Can you imagine Akechi-kun? Bellington and Wimbleton come here to play in our garden!" She then started to move forward to the external gardens, with Akechi following him.

"I see that you love activities in here, Your Highness."

"I can't wait! This is going to be ama-" Eto was going fast until she bumped into an old man. That, somehow, made her annoyed. "NO!" She then glared at the old man, who was a bit intimidated. "YOU THREW OFF MY GROOVE!" She then crossed her arms and started to clap her feet nervously.

Akechi looked at the old man with a bit of pity. "I'm sorry, old man, but you threw off the empress's groove." He then grabbed the old man.

A few seconds later, an old man could be seen falling from one of the palace's windows.

"SOOOOOOOOOORRYYYYYYYYY!"

After that, Eto took a quick breath and looked at another soldier. "Go see where he ended up and help him!" She ordered. The soldier nodded and went down. "Now, as we were saying, let's see how they're going to surprise the Empress herself! Oh, what I'm saying? I'm already surprised! A polo in our garden! I can't wait!" With those words, she made her way to reach the gardens, leaving Akechi behind.

The shogun took a deep breath. "How can she be that full of energy?" He wondered.

"My liege." Suddenly, a familiar voice from behind caught his attention making him turn around and see a close soldier of his.

It was a twenty-three-year-old girl with long pink hair collected in two medium twin tails and yellow eyes. She also had a mole on her right cheek. She was wearing a green samurai armor that covered most of her body while she was holding her helmet on her right arm. As soon as she got closer, she made a salute.

Makoto Heisei – Vice-Captain of the Shinsengumi

"Vice-Captain." Akechi made a salute back.

"Busy with her Highness?" The girl asked.

"Yes. I'm lucky that she invited me to a walk. Who knows what would happen if she was completely on her own." Akechi commented, looking toward the direction the empress went. "She's headed toward the polo play."

"Well…I don't see it as a bad thing. The people love her and she's caring. Besides…if anything happens, she would know how to defend herself." Makoto commented.

"I know. I'm glad she ended up like this. But…I wish she would be more…composed, that's all." The shogun said before walking toward a window and seeing the soldiers training in the external of the palace. All of them were perfect and moved at the same moment. "Look, Makoto…look how far the army has come."

"Indeed. Even if we went through hard times in the previous century, we were able to come up with something like this. I think it's also thanks to you, captain. You were the one who made all these soldiers stronger." Makoto said with a small smile.

"You have my thanks. I only tried my best to do my job. When you stand in control of military force, you need to put yourself up and take some responsibilities with the right seriousness. You don't know what will happen from one moment to another. What happened in these last years is a clear proof of that." Akechi commented.

"Right. Ishgar had been through a lot between the Balam Alliance, The Alvarez Empire ruled by Zeref, and Acnologia. They were all fatally dangerous enemies that almost destroyed the world. Sometimes…I wonder what would have happened if they went here." The girl added.

"It's a good thing you make such a question. Because it's because of these things…that a soldier must be ready for anything. The previous shoguns have shown me the way, and I intend to follow it. To survive…you need to be strong and make sure they'll hear you, even in times of peace." Akechi said with a serious tone.

Makoto looked at him a bit perplexed. He seemed somehow passionate about it. But it was normal. He was the shogun.

And then…

PRRRRRR!

A thunderous fart could be heard echoing in the corridor, leaving Makoto in stone. "…Eh?"

"Whoops! AHAHAHAHAH!" Akechi burst out in laughter. "My bad! I was so focused I didn't hold it!"

"I-Is he serious?" The girl thought.

"Please, forgive me. Sometimes I let myself go. But, tell me, were you searching for me?" The shogun then asked.

"Oh! Y-Yes, sir. There was a last-minute news that I needed to let you know." Makoto said after recomposing herself.

"What is it?" Akechi asked. With that, Makoto's expression turned into a more serious one as she delivered the news.

"It seems that Mister Takiji Kuroido was murdered in his residence last night."

"What!? Kuroido? Our minister from Tosetsu?" Akechi asked, a bit bewildered.

"Yes. We still don't know who has targeted him…but it appears that he was only one of the first victims. Near his corpse, a small piece of paper was found, with the written 'he was only the first one'. There was no sign in it." Makoto explained.

Akechi started to think carefully about it. "…Someone is aiming at the closest people to the empire. I believe we have another scoundrel who's trying to destroy our empire." He spoke.

"What should we do about it, sir?" Makoto asked.

"I'll let the empress know. In the meantime, start digging deeper into this story. If possible, let the others of the Shinsengumi know. The empire's sake is our top priority, I know you're certain of that." Akechi ordered.

As an answer, Makoto stood at attention. "Captain. Whoever disrupts the order in the empire and the shogunate must be stopped." She answered. "Speaking of which, should we warn Shogunate Pride about this?" She then asked.

Akechi thought about it carefully. Was it really necessary? They just came from a challenging battle, and he didn't want to disturb them that much. But…on the other hand, he couldn't let this story be unobserved for too long. And in the worst-case scenario, the soldiers wouldn't have been enough. "Let's see how things go in the first day of investigation. Judging by the outcome, we'll ask for aid from the guild. Between us and the regular requests as a legal guild of the Grand Magic Council, they'll surely be busy."

"As you wish, captain," Makoto confirmed with a nod. With that settled, Akechi turned around.

"Now, I think it's better if I head towards the gardens. I need to make sure that the empress…doesn't make a field invasion. I'll meet up with the others afterward. Good work so far, vice-captain." And with those words, Akechi moved towards the external gardens.

Makoto made a salute as an answer. "Yes, captain! I hope you'll see a nice play!" She spoke. As soon as he got away, the young soldier made a perplexed and worried expression again. "Back when he was talking about the army, he seemed so passionate, and then, he turned back on his regular mood…sometimes, even I don't know what's on his mind…" She thought. "Akechi Shōwa…he became shogun when he was sixteen years old. Ever since then, he was respected and feared as a man of pure discipline and duty…" She then shook her head. "No, I'm overthinking. I should get back to work…although I wish to have a vacation sometimes…the captain is so lucky sometimes…" She commented.

In the meantime, as he walked through the corridor, Akechi couldn't help but look outside and think of the news. "Another enemy had arisen even after everything that happened. When do we ever feel in utter peace and free from such things? Sometimes I wonder if you feel the same…Dohko."

In the external gardens, the empress was looking at the two teams ready to play against each other with excitement. "Oh, they're about to begin! I wonder how far the ball will go! Don't you feel the same-" She then turned around and noticed that the shogun wasn't there.

"Uh? Where's Akechi-kun?"

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Caelum – City of Elba

Back in the lively city of Elba, a few days had passed since the battle at the Great Akihabara Market, and as soon as most of the mages in Shogunate Pride regained their forces, they were ready to get back to work. Tsukuyomi as well, was able to recover from the injuries caused by Zenodias and Apostatìs and quickly went to another mission where she had to face three enemies that were…particular.

"COME ON BOYS! LET'S SLAP' EM!"

"YEAAH!"

Three men with weird faces wearing tights were shaking their butts and performing a choreographed movement.

"U-Uh…" Tsukuyomi looked at them confused while she was holding the katana.

"So, little girl! You think you can stand against the magnificence of the almighty Jiggle Butt Gang?" The leader, Wonderful Goccher, asked.

"You should have remained where you come from! You don't stand a chance against our divine butt dance!" Another one, Kalen Berg said.

"I…don't know what's going on, but after seeing you, I think that even a fourth-grade school kid could beat you…" The girl in the kimono commented. Naturally, the three men were annoyed by that comment.

"HOW DARE YOU!?" The leader shouted.

"You'll soon learn that you made a mistake by insulting us! Let's get him, boys!" The third member, Marco Belunjav, shouted. Soon enough, their magic flowed in their butts as they were ready to unleash a beam that resembled a triangle…from their butts.

"This is it! Secret Jiggle Butt Art – BUTT TRIPLE ECSTA-"

But before they could throw the attack, Tsukuyomi already shot a swipe of eclipse energy that wiped them away.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! OUR BUTT DANCE RUINEEEEEEEEED!"

They ended up crashing into a box with a strong impact, knocking them out.

In all of this, the Dragneel mage looked at them with a skeptical face before going to them and getting a small pack of gems from them. "I know I'm not that strong…but even I wouldn't want to lose to such a group of thieves that isn't even canon. I read the manga!" She commented before realizing something on the last part. "…What did I just say? Eh, never mind." She then turned around and looked at the ones who asked for help: a young lady and her child.

"Oh, thank you so much for helping us, young mage!" The woman said.

"Those tight meanies stole our gems and wanted us to join!" The kid added.

Tsukuyomi made a thumbs up. "No problem! It's my job!" She said with a smile with eyes closed before giving them back the gems.

The woman then took the chance to pull out a small bag of money. "I know it's not that much, but I hope it can reward what you did for us."

"No problem! What matters is that you're fine now!" The young girl replied before taking the back. With that, she waved goodbye to the two citizens and started to make her way back to the guild.

As she walked through the city, she could see with pleasure that most of the citizens were enjoying themselves and continuing their normal lives.

"Eh eh! Another job is done! I'm really getting the hang of it! Speaking of which…" The mage then realized that there were already the first days of September. Without knowing it…time was passing on.

"Man…now that I think of it…another couple of days and it will be already a month since I joined Shogunate Pride. Wow..." She then looked up at the sky and thought of everything she had lived up until that moment. "It's incredible how time can flow without you realizing it. All the stuff that happened with Chimera Tribe made me forget that the days were passing on. And to think that just a while ago, I was still wandering in this town, waiting to get an answer from the guild!" She then commented. For her, it was incredible that those people that she looked at with so much mystery were now her closest people. Some of them became even friends of hers. That made her even think back to the time when she helped that mage from Fairy Tail, the guild founded by her late mother.

"I wonder what Erza is doing now…" She commented. "Maybe I should let her know that I made it and I'm fine…she still helped me after all." She then looked at her katana. "Even though…I still think I need to find that strength…oh well! I'm sure I'll be able to find it!" With that in mind, she resumed her walk, and it was at that moment that she noticed a local newsstand. A bit curious to see what was exposed, she came closer and looked.

Among the various card games, newspapers, comics, manga, and novels, there were, naturally enough, magazines. One in particular…caught her attention. "Ah!" She grabbed it and gave it a closer look. "Yes, this is Sorcerer Magazine! The magazine that talks about the various mages and guilds…" She then looked at the seller and gave her the right price. "I take this one!"

After the quick purchase, she sat on a bench and started to leaf through the small magazine, noticing several pages regarding new emerging guilds with talents and older ones that broke new records. Tsukuyomi looked carefully at each page, caught by the topics. "Man…to think that there are that many strong mages out there…I wonder if I'll ever reach those levels…well…this is the reason I've decided to take the road of the samurai, after all…" She commented. Then, at a certain point, she noticed a page that caught her attention.

How to be the N°1 Guildmate! By Jason & Mirajane from Fairy Tail!

"Ah! Fairy Tail! And…I've seen that girl in other magazines…" Tsukuyomi said, before reading more carefully.

As an S-Class mage from my guild, I can say for sure that I love every person inside this place! And this is why I've slowly become a good friend to them! If you're new to the guild, a good start is always to be likable to the other members and be of comfort! Friendship is at the base of every good bond, especially among guilds! So don't be afraid to expose yourself and see what you can do to be a good friend to others!
- Mirajane

"A good friend…" Tsukuyomi spoke, as soon as she finished reading the paragraph. "Now that I think of it…ever since I've joined the guild, I've never explored my guildmates that deeper. Well sure, I'm a good friend with Cal and Rere but…I don't think I've made enough steps…" She then looked at the magazine. "…Yes! Mirajane's right!" She exclaimed before standing up. "Now that there's more free time, I should be able to make some good dates with my guild mates and know them better!"

At that moment, a strange living rabbit plushie with small wings, wearing a skirt and holding a scepter with a heart appeared out of nowhere near the girl. "That's right! It's always a good way to be friends with your mates! And if you are the closest of friends, you'll be able to collect many Hope Gems!" She said all proud.

Naturally, Tsukuyomi was a bit confused by her. "…Who…are you exactly?"

"I'm Magical Girl Miracle Usami! And I'll be your guide on this wonderful trip!" The bunny, Usami, presented herself full of joy…but that didn't seem to appeal to the girl.

"…I don't know what you're supposed to be…but you're giving me the impression that you're useless." She commented.

"Waaaah! Why do you have to be so mean!?" Usami said saddened before running away at full speed.

Tsukuyomi looked in the direction where she headed, puzzled for a few seconds. "…I…think I'll have to forget that. Oh well! Time to start the Samurai Best Buddy Simulator! Hmm, it sounds good! Ok, let's go!" With that, she started to head towards the guild with her magazine, hoping to know his guildmates better.

If she wanted to be with them, she had to feel like one of them, after all.

---

Caelum – City of Elba – Guild of Shogunate Pride

After the now familiar road to reach the guild, the short girl finally reached out the guild hall, where she could see that a good portion of members was already in the hall, minding their own business. That seemed like the perfect chance to use.

"Hmmm…they all seem free, so there's a good variety of members I could hang out with…I don't know if I'm brave enough to make a general event to gather all of them…maybe it's better if I start with one of them, I don't want to be passed as a show-off." She thought. She then looked around, and while there was Tammy who was looking at her with a smug smile and her hands on her hips, the black-haired girl thought carefully about who to go with.

"Hmmmmmm…"

After a few moments, she noticed Ren who was sitting at one of the tables, looking at a few magazines. That was enough to make the girl come closer.

"Hmmm…I still remember that chat we had when I was back from my first mission here. Ren seems much the mysterious guy, although Yori and Fern don't look at him that well…maybe I should give it a try." With that in mind, she started to talk to him. "Hey, Ren!"

"Hm?" The S-Class mage raised his head to notice the girl. "My, my. Back already?" He asked.

Tsukuyomi scratched the back of her head as she answered. "W-Well, yes. I've ended up on a…pretty bizarre mission." She replied. "What are you doing there?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just take a look at a few magazines. I like to see what's happening outside these walls while I continue my life here. I came back from a mission as well and I didn't know what to do. I'm called the Dead Flash for a reason, after all!" Ren replied.

"Is that so? Because in that case…how about we do something together? You know…just to spend time." Tsukuyomi then proposed. "There…I made the question, let's hope everything goes ok…I wasn't that suspicious, right?" She thought.

After hearing her, Ren slightly widened his eyes, curious. "Really? Because…I would know a certain place that the two of us could crash on!" He spoke.

Tsukuyomi grew a happy smile. Her first move worked out. "Yes!" She spoke. "I can't believe it worked ou-" But just as she was getting enthusiastic…she stopped herself on her step. "Wait a second…is it perhaps what I think it is?" She asked with a suspicious tone.

"What? Naaah. I'm not that monotonous! The others can confirm that. I was able to surprise them several times, in the past." Ren said before making a sharp smile. "At first, you see only one side of another person. When you dig deeper, you see more layers."

Tsukuyomi didn't really know what to say. He seemed right. That same mood he used that night was coming back, so maybe there was more to know about him than met the eye.

"Well…maybe I misjudged you too soon. Alright, then! I'll follow you!" Tsukuyomi accepted. "You seem like an interesting person, so I'm sure you could surprise me with-"

Caelum – Golden Clamp Casino

"THIS WAS A MISTAAAAAAAAAAAKE!" The girl shouted out in pure wrath as she and Ren were standing in the middle of a crowded casino, one of the most frequented ones in the region that wasn't that distant from the city of Elba.

"Come on! It won't be that bad once you get used to it!" Ren assured her.

"Apart from the fact that I'm not that used to gambling games, WHY THE HELL AM I WEARING THIS!?" Tsukuyomi exclaimed, pointing out that Ren was making her wear a bunny outfit.

"To set up the mood?" The other samurai asked with an innocent smile.

"You're incredible…" Tsukuyomi ironically commented with a skeptical face. Wanting to get out of that situation, Ren started to drag out the girl.

"Don't worry! As soon as you start to play! You'll actually like these places!"

With that, they started with several games to spend time with. First off with a roulette game.

"Right…now!" Tsukuyomi threw the ball which started to spin in the opposite way of the wheel…until it fell on a bad number. "Ah, dammit!"

"No need to panic! Remember, it's all a question of luck." Ren warned her.

"O-Ok…" Tsukuyomi said, not sure of what she was doing. Keeping in mind what her guildmate told him, she kept on trying…but she didn't get any winning number, until…

"Sorry, miss. No more bets." The game manager told her.

Tsukuyomi looked at Ren with a skeptical face. "If this is luck, then it's not working. Man…I can't waste all the money…" Thinking of another way to play, she looked at a boy who was playing as well. "Hey, do you have some money to borrow?"

"What? No!" The boy naturally asked.

She wanted to find a way to convince him…and even if a bit disgusted by the idea, she started to take off both the shoe and the stocking. "Not even if I do…this?"

"AAAAH! T-TAKE IT!" Feeling excited, the boy gave him a bit more of Jewels.

"Woah! She knows how to persuade!" Ren commented.

After a few more trials, Tsukuyomi was able to win a good amount of money, but she wasn't feeling particularly proud of it.

"What am I turning into…" She commented.

"And this is only the beginning!" Ren told her, as he threw some balls as well.

"I'm sorry, mister. No more bets."

"AGH!"

After the roulette, they went for a pole game. After some moments of careful thought, Tsukuyomi hit the balls with the stick and was able to pocket four of her balls inside the holes. "Wah! I didn't know it worked!"

"Oh, this is nothing! Let me show you how it's done-" As Ren hit her own balls with the stick, he ended up using accidentally his lightning magic and broke the table in half. A waiter even tripped on one of the balls and fell. "…"

Tsukuyomi looked at him with a skeptical face.

"…That was a fluke, I promise," Ren assured.

And then, they went for a regular poker game. Tsukuyomi ended up playing with another girl of her age, managing to make four aces. "Yeah!"

"Gotta say, you're good!" The girl said.

"Thanks! How's it going over there, Ren?" The black-haired samurai then asked Ren, who was playing against four members of a guild known as Quatro Cerberos.

Ren was smirking behind his deck, and as soon as he had to play his hand, he showed off a royal flush. "AHAHAH I WIN! COME TO DADDY!" He exclaimed, enthusiastic to get the fiches. He then raised his head and noticed that the four mages weren't happy about it. They even started to growl. "Eh eh eh…I…got lucky?" Needless to say, the four of them jumped at him.

We'll be right back!

In the end, the two samurais were sitting at one of the tables as they drank a good limoncello and ate some fish.

"Ah, they may not be a restaurant, but they can make good stuff!" Ren commented.

"Hm-hm! This is good!" Tsukuyomi agreed as she ate.

"So, how about it? Did you enjoy this place?" Ren then asked.

Somehow…Tsukuyomi found herself caught by that question…and she thought up a few ways to answer.

-It was great! I can't wait to spend more money!

-It wasn't that bad, I had some fun…

-I felt dirty inside…

-SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

"Hmmm…well, all things considered…the games were entertaining…and I was able to learn something new…" This thought made her pick up her answer. "It…wasn't that bad. I had some fun. Well, if we exclude the fact that you have to make bets…even though, I was able to make some money."

"Eh eh! Glad to hear that answer." Ren answered before taking another sip of limoncello.

"…Say, Ren…why do you do this?" Tsukuyomi then asked.

"Hm? What do you mean?" Ren naturally asked.

"I mean…well, this. Why do you keep on playing? Don't you feel…a bit afraid of the idea that you could lose everything in just one game?" The girl explained better.

After a few moments of silence, Ren put her hands on the back of his head and looked up. "Well, I would lie if I told you I'm not afraid. I'm always careful not to spend all my money. Sure, I make big bets, but not dangerous ones. And well…the answer to your question is simple." He then looked at her with a serene smile. "I simply like it, that's all."

"Really? It's just…like that?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"That's all. I consider myself…a challenger of fate. I like the idea of facing unpredictability and luck without knowing the outcome. And it even helps me out even for when I have to fight." The other samurai continued.

"Eh-? Really?" Tsukuyomi asked, surprised.

"Why, yes! All these games where you have no idea of what's going to happen, but you may know the possible outcomes, actually help me feel better when I face an opponent. It helps me accept all types of hazards I could get during a dangerous battle. In a way…gambling and fighting can be the same, after all. For both of them…you need to be ready for everything." Ren explained.

Tsukuyomi looked down and thought carefully about it. In a way…it happened the same for her. All the battles she had up until that moment were exactly what Ren said. "Yeah…I…I can get where you're going."

"Indeed. Some games also help me feel more flexible with the sword. The pole for example! You could see how I've ended up breaking the table and well…paying for it." Ren added. "Like I said…there are more layers in one person than you might expect."

"Yes…I think you're right." Tsukuyomi commented before looking at him with a smile. But then she quickly changed her expression to a skeptical one. "This doesn't change the fact that you prefer to spend your money here and force me to wear this bunny outfit. That's messed up!"

"What can I say? I love gambling!" Ren commented with an innocent smile.

After that, the two of them came back to the guild. "Well…it was fun! I should bring someone else with me to casinos more often! Well, if they ever accept. I'm sure Yori would never do so."

"Yeah, I had some fun as well! I hope we can have more moments like this! Kinda…" Tsukuyomi added.

"Well, you know where to find me! I'll see if I can make another mission." With those words, Ren went to check on the dashboard, leaving Tsukuyomi with a smile.

"Somehow…it worked out. I feel like I got closer to him!" She thought. Then for some reason, a few musical notes with a smirk came out from her. "W-What?" She could then see a star-shaped graph in her mind. "Charm, Kindness, Guts, Proficiency, Knowledge…what?" She then shook her head. "L-Let's ignore that…"

---

After her first successful hang-out, Tsukuyomi looked outside and noticed that it was still daytime. Which meant that she could have tried the same formula with someone else. Then, when she looked around in the hall, apart from Tammy who was looking at her with a smug smile and her hands on her hips, she noticed that the hall seemed empty.

"Hmm…well, it's normal. They must be busy…still…let's see if there's someone else in other rooms." Following the idea, Tsukuyomi entered the gym, noticing that it was almost empty, except for one person…well, two actually. "Hm?"

Iori was training himself with the sword by using a special mannequin that had four arms and four kendo swords, while Ronin was supporting him. Even if the mannequin moved in an automatic mode and left little room for opening attacks, Iori seemed to be able to block most of the attacks.

"Wow…" Tsukuyomi whispered while looking at him.

Then, the Mannequin tried to attack him from different directions with all of his four arms at once, but somehow…Iori was able to lift her swords, and in the process, he was able to clash with the lower arms first and then with the upper arms. After that, he made one X with his two katanas and…

SWISH!

An X-shaped cut was formed in the mannequin, which fell into four pieces. With that, Iori sheathed the swords back.

"Alright, Iori! We're getting better and better!" Ronin commented with a thumbs up.

"I know, right? It's the first time I've tried out something like that." Iori said, satisfied.

"And it was great!" Tsukuyomi added, coming closer.

"Oh hey, Takashi!" Iori then turned around and noticed her.

"It's Tsukuyomi," Ronin told her.

"Dammit…" The Dragon Slayer commented.

"It's fine, don't worry. Still! What you did was outstanding! I've read once in a book about the Niten Ichiryu But I didn't expect it to be like this!" Tsukuyomi then said.

"Well…if anything, I'm glad to see that the tries are giving their fruits. In a way, I still consider myself an average." Iori commented.

"There's plenty of time for that! You're the second youngest member, after all!" Ronin told him.

The younger mage then looked at the mannequin. "And this is done as well. Although I feel like I could still use some energy…" Thinking of an idea, he realized that he actually had the answer right in front of his eyes. "What do you say? Do you want to spar with me?"

"Eh? Really?" Tsukuyomi was indeed caught by surprise. Not only because she didn't expect him to make such a question, but also because in her planning, she ended up being anticipated. Still…the idea of facing a more expert swordsman and the fact that she could still have spent some time with him was more than appealing. Her answer was plenty obvious. "Well…I don't see why I should refuse!"

Iori made a small smile and nodded. "Thank you for accepting."

"Ooooh! Both are cool! I wonder how it will go!" Ronin commented.

It didn't take long for both of them to be ready. They were standing about two meters of distance from each other as they took out their katanas and waited for the moment.

"Now that I think of it…I didn't get the chance to see what Iori can actually do properly. Back at the Great Market, we were split up. So this may be my chance to see what a Dragon Slayer is capable of…" The girl thought.

"Ready?" Iori asked, making the girl nod.

Ronin, on the other hand, raised his hand and then put it down. "Ok! Hajime!"

"HAAAAAH!" As soon as they heard the signal, the two of them dashed against each other and started to clash their blades. Tsukuyomi didn't have that many troubles in facing one that was using two katanas while she was resourced to one, but the problem was another one.

"Man if he's fast! I need to surprise him!" She thought before jumping away. She then tried to charge with a direct cut, but it was Iori who surprised her by putting his blades to an X and using them to block her katana and lift it. "What-!?"

Iori didn't waste any time and moved closer to her while blocking the girl's katana and attacked to push her back.

"Agh!" Tsukuyomi ended up recoiling a bit. When she raised her head, she could see that Iori was ready for the next move. "He's not showing confidence or fear…he's calm as a river!" She thought. She then ran as fast as she could and tried to outrun him with a barrage of sword attacks. "

"Hm!" Seeing the imminent danger, Iori started to defend himself by using the smaller sword. Then, when Tsukuyomi was on the verge of getting closer with her weapon, Iori threw down the smaller sword and used the main one to deliver a single horizontal cut.

"GH!" Tsukuyomi got cut by the attack, but she stood still with her foot and instead made a cut just like him, surprising the boy and hurting him.

"Hm!" Iori didn't expect it and jumped back. "You're adapting yourself to my style?" He asked.

"You could say that! Although it's not easy at all!" Tsukuyomi replied.

Iori was having fun in it as he prepared himself. "Then let's see how you answer this." With that said Iori's blades were starting to get surrounded by air, almost looking invisible.

"What the!?" Tsukuyomi exclaimed.

"Gale Dragon's Air Blast Blade!" Iori dashed at high speed followed by a burst of wind to overwhelm Tsukuyomi, who was barely able to answer.

"Dance of the Eclipse!" Seeing that her opponent was about to get serious and use magic, the girl decided to do the same, and the two clashed their magics, releasing a power that was shaking the gym as a whole.

"WOHOOO! Keep going!" Ronin said, excited to see the match.

In the burst of magic, Iori didn't stop and tried to overwhelm Tsukuyomi with swift and precise movements of his sword, making the girl sweat hard. "I'm feeling dragged by the wind! It's almost like he's throwing blasts of pure air at me!" She thought while keeping to answer. She then tried an attack from above, but much like previously, Iori put his sword to an X down and blocked the sword. Then he pushed up and attacked with the swords, pushing her away. This time, the damage was doubled due to the Dragon Slayer magic.

"GAH!" Tsukuyomi crashed to the ground and stood up, just to see that Iori was about to end it. The boy was running with wind flowing through his body and clothes. As soon as he was closer, he raised his swords to make the last attack. That made the girl widen her eyes and try one single sword strike that actually made three whole attacks at once. "Eclipse Swallow Reversal!"

SWING!

The two young mages were standing one behind the others and stood still for a few moments with nothing happening at first. But then…a few cuts appeared on both bodies.

"Gh…"

"Woaaah! They were able to hit each other in that short period? Not bad!" Ronin commented.

"Anf…anf…anf…" Tsukuyomi turned around and looked at her guildmate with a smile. "You're…awesome!"

"Eh eh…You're not that bad either…" Iori replied, feeling satisfied. Nothing else was needed to add. They both sheathed their swords and made a small bow as a thanks for the match. "I'm pretty sure that you'll make big steps in the future. But now you must be tired. Care for a drink?" He then proposed.

"Yes!" Tsukuyomi promptly replied.

A few minutes later, the two of them were back at the guild hall, with Yukari serving two orange juices at them and a small glass of milk at Ronin.

"Seriously, though! You were amazing back there! I would never be able to perform such things with the sword." Tsukuyomi commented before taking a sip.

"Well…you weren't that bad as well. You were still able to make up a tie." Iori replied before taking a sip as well. "It all comes from training and well…good intentions. Considering that you're still here tells a lot."

"Yeah but…after seeing you guys, I think I still have a lot of work to do. Also because well…even though I've joined this guild to pursue the road of the samurai…I didn't train with the sword on purpose back then." Tsukuyomi then said.

Naturally, that last affirmation made both the Dragon Slayer and the Exceed curious. "What do you mean?" Ronin asked.

The black-haired girl gulped a little at that question. "I…don't feel really comfortable yet on talking about it. Maybe I'll be able to do so one day. Let's just say that…I was forced to. I then decided to use the sword as a way to get stronger both in body and spirit." She said with a saddened smile.

Ronin was able to understand pretty quickly. "Ah, I see. Bad memory?" He asked, making the girl nod.

"I see. Well, we won't ask further then. It's always important to respect others' spaces. And you're surely not the only one who has some skeletons in her closet. At least, you're doing your best to let those memories slip out. In a way…all of us here are trying to find that same strength you're looking for, don't you agree?" Iori then said.

Once again…at that question, Tsukuyomi felt like she could have answered various.

-Yeah, I think of that, too.

-I don't know. They may have some different goals…

-It's not like it's my business!

-This…is Berk.

Just like Ren, Tsukuyomi picked up her choice. "Yeah, I think of that, too. Even if it's a hard road, it can assure self-improvement." She said before looking up with a smile. "And I surely don't regret coming here."

Iori smiled back. "That's great to know. Having one more friend and another sword mate is never a bad thing. I can witness many various ways of using one blade. Your magic in particular does catch my attention. How does it work?" He then asked.

Tsukuyomi felt a bit embarrassed by that. "Well, it's all based on the fact that I got both light and darkness inside my heart, and instead of clashing, they became one element that can mix both attributes. I'm sure this has something to do with my parents, from what I've heard."

"Oh, I see," Iori commented. He remembered that one day, Tsukuyomi did reveal a bit of her background, mentioning her real origins, especially her real father. And despite the initial amazement, everyone got used to it pretty quickly. "Well, in any case, you surely know how to use it! I like the ways you implement it with the blade in pure synchrony."

"Eh eh! I'm a mage, too, after all!" Tsukuyomi commented. "What about you? How were you able to mix up your Dragon Slayer Magic with the Niten Ichiryu?" She then asked.

"Oh, it was my father who taught me. Well…my adoptive one." Iori replied.

"Your…father?" Tsukuyomi said, a bit confused and curious.

"Hm-hm! The great gale dragon, Niflheim! One of the most majestic dragons of all time!" Ronin answered.

"Oh! True…I did hear that some Dragon Slayers were trained by actual dragons." Tsukuyomi commented.

"Yeah, we're divided in generations apparently, and I'm the first one. Niflheim liked to experiment, and he didn't want me to use his magic like the other Dragon Slayers, therefore…wanting to find a new way, he gave me these two katanas and made me practice with the Niten Ichiryu he read once." Iori explained.

"That explains how you're that skilled! And well…" Tsukuyomi answered before showing her sword. "It's funny to hear it because…I got my sword from my father as well."

Iori and Ronin were surprised to hear that. "Really? Then we have another thing in common!" The boy said.

"Look at the coincidences!" Ronin added.

"And…what happened to Niflheim?" The girl then asked.

"Oh well…he died of old age one year before I joined the guild, that's all," Iori replied.

Naturally, Tsukuyomi lowered her head, a bit sorry. "Oh, I see…my condolences."

"Don't worry! He died with a smile and was satisfied. And after all, I still have his magic with me." Iori said, comforting him.

"In a way, we were able to forget the past, like you want to! So, you can see us as an example!" Ronin added, feeling a bit proud.

"Hm! I'll try!" Tsukuyomi replied, feeling already better. Then, Iori started to stretch.

"Hmmm…well, I think I've trained enough. The sun is still high, so I think I'll search for a mission. It was fun to spar with you!"

"The feeling's the same! Next time we should pick a mission together! There's still more I want to see." Tsukuyomi replied.

"Sure do! Then I'll go." With those words, Iori started to go up to the dashboard, with Ronin following him.

"See you around, newbie!"

---

Tsukuyomi waved the two of them and then turned around. "Another hang-out that went successfully! Iori was so nice…and the fact that both he and Ren are going for a mission makes me think I'm a slacker, even though I've done one myself…" She thought. After that, she looked outside and noticed that indeed, the sun was still high. Therefore, she still had some more time to search for someone else.

By looking around, apart from Tammy who was looking at her with a smug smile and her hands on her hips, Tsukuyomi spotted a familiar figure sitting at one of the tables. "Oh! Cal!" She thought.

The boy seemed focused on giving a careful look at his sword.

"Considering all the work we've done together ever since my first mission, I've started to know him…but it's not a bad idea to spend more time with him! Let's try out…" The girl thought. With that in mind, she came closer, making the other boy notice her.

"Hm? Oh, it's you, Tsukuyomi. You had fun with Iori?" The boy asked.

The girl was caught off guard by that. "You…you could tell?"

"Well, I did hear the rumble you made in the gym," Cal commented, making the girl look elsewhere a bit embarrassed.

"Uhm…so, what are you doing?" Tsukuyomi then asked, wanting to change the subject.

"Just checking my sword. I always need to make sure that it's in a stable condition, especially after our battle with Chimera Tribe. Even though, it's supposed to not break that easily…" Cal commented. "And I think it needs some polishing and cleaning." Then, a thought crossed his mind. "Speaking of which…there was something I've always wanted to see…"

"Hm? What is it?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Your sword. May I see it? Considering that you're another swordsman, I've wanted to give it a closer look." The other boy replied.

"Oh! Uhm…sure?" As an answer, the girl unsheathed her sword and gave it to Cal, who started to observe it in every detail.

"I see…a medium-length Nichiren sword. The tip is right, a decorative hilt and- Hold on a second!" The boy was liking the blade until he noticed something…unpleasant.

Rust, dry blood, dust, and general dirt.

Cal turned to his friend with a skeptical face.

"Uh oh…" The girl thought.

"Tsukuyomi…when was the last time you cleaned your sword?" The more experienced mage asked.

"Uuuuuhm…" Tsukuyomi tried to think about it for a few moments…but then she sighed in defeat. "I don't remember…I wasn't even the one who cleaned it, I left it at a blacksmith."

"TSUKUYOMI!" Cal exclaimed, a bit offended.

"Ah! Did I do something wrong?" The girl asked, worried.

"Of course! You can't be a proper samurai if you don't take care of your own weapon! It's what defines you as a mage and as a warrior after all!" Cal fairly scolded her, making her bow several times.

"I'm sorry! I was so focused on many things that I didn't think of it! Plus…" Tsukuyomi then looked down a bit saddened. "I…don't really know how to do so…"

Cal looked at her in silence for a few seconds and sighed as well. "Fair enough. Maybe I've overreacted a bit. I'm just a lot more careful about it. You said you don't know how to do so, right?"

Tsukuyomi nodded embarrassed.

"…Want me to teach you?" Cal then proposed. Once again, Tsukuyomi was surprised.

"R-Really? You would do so?"

"You're a friend of mine, and a fellow guildmate and swordsman. There's no reason why I shouldn't help you. If you want to be a samurai, I need to teach you how to handle better things." Cal said before getting caught off guard by a hug from Tsukuyomi.

"THANK YOU SO MUCH!"

"A-A-A-A-A-A-AAAAAH…" Cal's face became redder second after second to the point that he ended up steaming a bit.

Tsukuyomi noticed his reaction and got off quickly. "Oh! Eh, eh…sorry…I forgot that you need some practice with girl contact…"

After that small scene, the two of them went to Cal's room and sat on the carpet. For the occasion, the boy prepared everything that was needed: two bottles of Choji oil, a Uchiko ball, and Nugigami cloths.

Tsukuyomi looked at the products with curiosity. "Woaaah…I didn't know there were specific products for this!" She commented.

"Even if they're weapons, katanas are delicate items and as such, they must be treated with the maximum attention," Cal told her before sitting with his legs crossed. "Ok, let's start!" Tsukuyomi sat near her, and with that settled, the two of them grabbed their respective swords and started the precise procedure of cleaning them.

The first thing to do was to clean it from the dirt and dust with the Nugigami cloth. All that was needed was a single movement that could have cleaned the blade.

"Make sure to not touch the blade with your fingers," Cal warned. Tsukuyomi was already sweating while doing it.

"E-Easier said than done…" She commented as she did so very slowly. "I-I'll get faster next time…"

The second part was to apply the polishing powder on both sides of the blade with the Uchiko ball.

"Make sure to use the ball gently, or you could put too much powder," Cal warned.

"Got it…" Tsukuyomi said as she did so. "Eh eh…this ball looks like the maracas I had when I was a kid…so many memories…" She added with a bit of pleasure.

The third part was to repeat the first one now that the powder was applied.

"Slowly…slowly…sloooooo- OUCH!" This time, the girl ended up cutting herself and sucking her index finger for a few moments.

"Get used to it. It'll happen a lot." Cal told her.

The fourth part was to apply the Choji oil on the blade and to do so, a dropper was needed.

"Just a few drops?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Of course. You can't exaggerate with it." Cal replied.

And after cleaning the too much oil with the Nugigami again…

Dling dling dling!

Tsukuyomi's blade was now clean and shiny, with the girl looking at it in awe. "Woaaaaah! It's as new!"

Even Cal was satisfied with his work. "It's a good blade. Now that you know the procedure, make sure to use it more often, or it could be ruined."

With that, both of them sheathed back their swords. "I'll surely do! It's incredible how much you know about these!" The girl then said.

"Like I said last time, I used to live surrounded by them. And as such, I've ended up learning more and more. If anything, my Murajaka is closer than me than expected." Cal commented.

"Murajaka?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"My sword's name. My grandpa named it after that. Some swordsmen and blacksmiths name their swords to feel more in synchrony with them. Does yours have one?" Cal said.

"Well…not really, actually. However, it could be an idea. It's a cute thought!" Tsukuyomi replied.

"Oh! Then how would you call it? Do you have an idea?" The boy then asked. This made the girl look carefully at the blade.

Considering that it was a dear blade for her, Tsukuyomi wanted to give her a proper name, but there were many possibilities.

-Excalibur

-Zweihander

-Bakuzan

-Dragon Slayer

-Oathkeeper

-Bakuya

The possibilities were endless…but after another look…a choice was more likable to her than others…it was a fitting name for it. Therefore…she smiled and finally named the sword.

"Oathkeeper!"

"Hm? Why that name?" Cal asked.

"Well…" Tsukuyomi's tone became sweeter as soon as she was about to answer. "This sword was my father's parting gift…what is left of him that I want to hold dear. And besides…after I got this sword, I wanted to become stronger also for him. This is the reason for the name. Because…this reminds me of the promise I want to keep."

Somehow…hearing her like that made Cal remind him of something…if anything…he was in a familiar situation.

"I hope this is enough for you to forgive your fool grandpa…"

Remembering that note…made Cal grow up a melancholic smile and gave a comforting pat on Tsukuyomi's shoulder. "I see. Then…it's a good thing for you to call your sword like that. Promises are important, especially if they come from your family. Never forget it."

Tsukuyomi felt like there was something more inside that quote, but for now…she wanted to nod and smile. "Sure. And…forgive me if I do it again but…" She then hugged Cal again, but this time, with more delicacy.

"Ah-" Cal blushed again, but it was bearable this time.

"Thank you again, Cal…this sword is really important, so I'm grateful that you taught me how to polish it. You're a true friend." Tsukuyomi continued.

Somehow…hearing that made Cal warm. Was this what they called…pleasure? Gratitude? Whatever it was…it felt like a nice sensation, and it made Cal gently stroke Tsukuyomi's head. "Well…glad to have helped. Have you always been such a big softie?" He asked.

Naturally, the girl felt embarrassed. "Is it…a problem?"

"Heh. Not at all." The boy replied.

And with that, the two of them got out of Cal's room. "Well…I think this is enough for today. I'm starting to get hungry, so maybe I'll go down in town and get something good to eat."

"Oh well, have a good meal!" Tsukuyomi concluded. The two waved and Cal started to go out. "Man…this is already the third time…oh, Mirajane, you were right! It's so good to be friends with the guild! And…I didn't think Cal was such a caring person!" She then thought.

---

Wanting to move around the guild instead of just standing in the guild hall and waiting to see someone, Tsukuyomi went on the external of the guild and started to explore. On the right of the building, she could see a road that brought up to a small, yet charming garden full of trees that still had some leaves, despite the season. "Woooah! Who knew that there was something like this? Guess this is where Yukari grabs the fruits for the drinks!" She commented.

Then, as she turned around, she could spot a familiar figure. Revany was sitting in the branch of a small tree, reading a book.

"Revany? Hmmm…well, I won't hide the fact that I want to know her better but…I don't know if she will be pleased with it. Revany isn't really a social person. Hmmm…oh! But I do know how to start!" With that thought in mind, Tsukuyomi quickly came back to the guild.

A few minutes later, Revany was still reading her book when she heard someone coming closer, making her raise her head. "Hm?"

"Hey there!" Tsukuyomi saluted her with a sweet smile. "What are you reading?" She then asked.

"Symphony of the Night. A vampire novel." Revany simply answered.

"Oh. Is it violent?" The other girl asked.

"Yeah. The blood sure falls." The Sith mage replied. "But…I assume you're here for something else."

"Busted already…" Tsukuyomi thought. As expected, Revany could already tell that she wanted to do something. "W-Well, yeah. But first…" She then took out a plate of tiramisù. "How about you enjoy this?"

In a second, Revany widened her eyes took the tiramisù off the girl's hands, and started to eat it. In barely a minute, she already finished it. "Ah…delicious. Why, thank you, Tsukuyomi. May I know the reason for this…act of kindness?" She then asked.

"Well...I was thinking if there was something we could have done together, that's all. I really want to be more present today since I have the chance." The other girl answered.

Revany looked at her with a skeptical face. Naturally, Tsukuyomi thought that she messed up. "And you ask of all people…me?"

"I…I still want to know you better! After all, it was thanks to you that I was able to get here in the guild, so I want to repay the debt somehow!" Tsukuyomi said, trying to insist. Even though she knew that it was hard with a person like her.

An awkward silence followed between the two. Revany's expression didn't change, but she took a deep breath. "Well…even though you should thank more your skills…it's not like I have a reason to refute. You surely aren't bugging me like Nobuhito does. Plus, you gave me tiramisù. That counts." With those words, the girl stood up and put the book in her pocket. "Coincidentally enough, I had a personal commission I wanted to make today. Care to join me?"

Tsukuyomi felt a bit intimidated by that. "Knowing her, I'm a bit afraid of what this commission would be…" Despite her mind saying this, her mouth spoke the opposite. "Sure!"

Caelum – City of Elba

With that said the two girls started to walk out through the streets of the peaceful city. Tsukuyomi was following Revany, who didn't say anything yet. She seemed focused on her way.

"Hmmm…she doesn't seem that talkative…I should tell something to know her better. Although I'm not really the person to do so…" Tsukuyomi thought, a bit troubled. She started to think of a question that she then used.

"Say…why did you make that question before? About the fact that I chose you? Did I…annoy you, perhaps?" She asked. "Maybe this wasn't the best of choices…"

Revany looked at her with a neutral expression for a few moments before looking back forward. "Not really. It's more of the fact that the question surprised me. As you know…I'm not that social of a person." She spoke as directly as possible.

"Really? Then we're on the same boat, eh eh!" Tsukuyomi said, trying to engage in a joke. "But seriously, I really want to be as open as the others. It's just that I want to feel part of the group, that's all!"

"…Considering that you passed the text and you're doing your job, you could already consider yourself a mage," Revany answered with the same tone.

Tsukuyomi gasped and felt a bit moved. "Revany…I didn't know you were that sweet!"

As an answer, Revany looked at her with a skeptical face.

"…Yeaaah, maybe I should have kept it in my head. But still! I consider myself grateful to you for the test! Man, I still remember it as if it was yesterday…" Tsukuyomi then commented. "What about you? Was your test hard as well?"

"Not really. I had to face Iku." Revany simply spoke.

"AH!" Suddenly, fear and despair filled the young samurai's heart and mind. "R-Really!? What was it like!?" She then asked.

"…Strange…" Revany remembered her entrance test…which was quite odd.

"Wine or pumpkin juice?"

"…Wine?"

"Beer or Vinegar?"

"…Beer?"

"Now the trick question…Junmai sake or Ginjo sake?"

"…Aren't both of them sake?"

"YOU PASS!"

"Welcome aboard, young samurai! Let me take the Guild Master for you!"

"YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

"…What?"

Tsukuyomi felt dumb and puzzled as she heard that. "…Tha-Tha-Tha-That's it?"

"Yes."

"Are you serious!? You get three questions and I got a duel to the death!?" The other girl protested.

"That is the test, normally. Iku was more particular. Besides…I was testing you." Revany told her.

"YOU WERE TRYING TO KILL ME!" Tsukuyomi shouted.

"Like I said. I was testing you." Revany simply replied.

"…" At that point, the black-haired girl in the kimono didn't know what to say.

"Oh, by the way, we have arrived." Revany then said. Tsukuyomi turned around to see that they were standing in front of…what seemed to be a regular shopping center.

"…This is the place?" Tsukuyomi asked confused.

"Yes," Revany answered directly.

"…So…do we have to protect it from some upcoming thieves?" Tsukuyomi then tried to guess what the purpose was.

"No. I just need to buy something, that's all." Revany replied. "Come in, let's go." She then entered inside.

"…What?" Tsukuyomi was more confused than ever. Revany…wanted to go shopping?

The two of them entered the shopping center, which was crowded and colored with many stores inside, and they went on the escalators.

"You know…it's kinda funny that we're inside a store like this after what happened just a few days ago," Tsukuyomi commented.

Revany made a small smile from underneath the mask. "Yeah…ironic."

Tsukuyomi could tell that she was smiling from the eyebrows. "She liked it!"

After they went on the first floor and a bit of road, they reached the place Revany wanted to reach: A footwear store.

"Revany…likes shoes and socks?" Tsukuyomi thought, getting more confused. She looked at what she was wearing on her feet, noticing the usual iron high-heeled boots of her armor. "I don't know…Revany doesn't seem like one who fixates herself on what she's wearing…" She thought.

"Here we are. This is the place." Revany was about to get inside…but she stumbled as soon as she saw something troubling that made her stare get serious. "Hm!"

"Ah! What is it?" Tsukuyomi asked, worried.

"Stay on guard…look at that sign…" The other girl said, pointing at the sign.

When Tsukuyomi looked at it, she could see the written Autumn sale 50% off. "…There are…the sales?"

"That's right. And we're in a footwear store…you know what that means." Revany spoke.

Tsukuyomi took a few moments to think about it…and realized it herself. "Uh oh…"

And just like that, they could hear a noise coming closer and closer, and when they turned around…

"SALES!"

"THOSE SHOES ARE MINE!"

"I WAS WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT!"

"AAAAAH!" Tsukuyomi and Revany were suddenly thrown away by a herd of girls who wanted to take advantage of the sales. In a matter of seconds, the whole store was full of people buying stuff.

"Ah, geez! At this point, we'll find out the whole store empty!" Tsukuyomi exclaimed. "W-Well…we can always try another day or search for another store, right Revany?" But she could see that Revany seemed serious about it. "…Revany?"

"Who said we were going to leave?" The other girl said…as she started to make a few steps closer.

"What…what are you doing?" Tsukuyomi tried to ask, but she found her answer on her own.

[Doom Eternal OST – The Only Thing They Fear Is You]

With just one step, Revany was already dashing towards the girl and started to knock them off or throw them away (not fatally) to make herself a road in the road.

"AAAH!"

"OUCH!"

"WHAT THE- AAAAAAAAAH!"

"R-Revany!?" Tsukuyomi exclaimed.

"Don't just stand there! There's plenty!" The other girl warned.

Tsukuyomi didn't know what she meant by that, but she later found herself surrounded by some girls who were looking at her menacingly.

"Are you trying to take away my shoes?"

"Over my dead body!"

"Oh God…some people can go very feral when it comes to sale…oh, well…" Understanding the situation…Tsukuyomi made a serious stare as well. "Let's go." In an instant, she jumped over the girls and started to throw them against the others, she then started to jump forward, attacking every girl who wanted to assault her (not fatally).

Not only against them, but all the girls were going wild against each other. It was a survival battle, all of this so that they could bring a sale product back home. The store assistant was looking in tears. "Why is it always like this!?"

At a certain point, both Tsukuyomi and Revany were standing against each other's back, as a group of furious women were coming closer.

"Those boots are mine!"

"I won't let those stockings to no one!"

"I need those fishnet stockings and stilettos!" (This one was said by a man)

"They're coming…no hesitation. Got it?" Revany asked the other girl, who nodded.

"Right."

Nothing else needed to be said. Both Tsukuyomi and Revany jumped towards the 'army' and started to knock them out as if they were going against a group of demons. Their blows were direct and decisive, as they were there to proclaim their right to take something from that store.

And in the end…the two girls were standing there…around several knocked-out girls.

"Anf…anf…anf…"

[OST End]

"Phew…well…that was a ride!" Tsukuyomi commented, wiping her forehead.

"Yeah, you could say that. Now let's go." Revany replied, with the other girl following her.

After a few minutes, order and quiet turned back at the store. The girls that remained resigned and did regular shopping, letting the two samurais find what they were looking for in the first place. That brought them to a basket with several socks in it.

"So we are looking for some of these?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Yes. I've wanted to make a present for a friend, so I want to make sure this will be as careful as possible." Revany replied.

"Aw, that's cute!" Tsukuyomi commented. "I didn't expect something like this from her!" She then thought. After searching for a while, the other girl took up two different pairs of long socks: one pair was white and smooth, while the other was green and striped.

"Hmmm…these white socks are more in line with her general outfit…but these green socks are more similar to her personality…a good dilemma…" Revany said as she tried to choose. She then turned to Tsukuyomi. "What do you say? Which one should I choose?"

"Eh? Me?" The other girl was caught off guard.

"If anything, you can help me have an idea," Revany spoke.

"Hmmm…I don't know who you're talking about…still…" Even if it was all that sudden, she still wanted to help. "What to do? They both look like good choices…"

Once again…several answers spawned in her head.

-The White ones, they look more stylish

-The Green ones, they give a sweeter look

-Why not take them both?

-But what about the droid attack on the wookies?

Both pairs looked good…so in the end…there could have been an answer.

"…Why not take them both?" She proposed.

"Hm? You think?" Revany asked.

"There are the sales, you can take advantage of that! Besides, the double the present, the double the happiness!" Tsukuyomi answered.

"Hmm…Yeah, it makes sense. Plus, knowing her, she'll surely be excited." Revany agreed in the end.

"By the way, who's this friend?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Mind your business." Revany promptly answered with a cold expression and tone.

"O-Ok…" The other girl didn't protest out of fear.

After that and a quick purchase, the two of them left the store and the shopping center in general, with Tsukuyomi stretching herself a little. "Well, that went easier than I thought! There were surely a lot of things I didn't expect."

"Since you're around the guild, I'm sure that you're starting to get used to them. And expect a lot more to come." Revany reminded her.

"I've joined for that reason after all! And besides…this small trip wasn't bad either! You really can be of a good company, Revany!" Tsukuyomi said. "You…don't think so?"

Revany stood in silence for a few moments before answering. "I simply didn't think of it. Whenever someone needs me, I do my best to satisfy them, that's all. Well…except when they are loud and annoying." She commented. "But…I don't see you as one of them. You can be of a good company, Tsukuyomi."

"Does…that mean that we could hang out once again if I ask?" Tsukuyomi asked, a bit hopeful.

"…If you want. And if I'm in a good mood then yes. And thanks again for helping me with the choice." Revany replied.

"Well…that's already something!" Tsukuyomi said with a sweet smile. It was like Ren said. People could have more layers than expected…and Revany surely had more sides she could have seen in the future.

With that, she could feel that she grew closer to another member of the guild. One that was quite unpredictable.

---

City of Elba - Guild of Shogunate Pride

After returning to the guild, Tsukuyomi left Revany to read her book and went inside the main hall. It was afternoon at this point, and after a few more encounters, the girl thought that she could have ended.

"I feel like I can try out with someone else…but who?" She thought. After looking around, apart from Tammy who was looking at her with a smug smile and her hands on her hips, Tsukuyomi decided once again to try out looking in another room, to see if she could have found someone.

"OH COME ON!" Tammy exclaimed, ignored once again.

The black-haired girl went to the upper floor and decided to sneak a bit into the others' room, hoping that they wouldn't have stabbed her as soon as they saw her. To her surprise, most of the rooms were empty.

"Oh! I…didn't expect it…maybe they went somewhere else?" She wondered before checking up on more rooms. The only one she skipped was the Master's room since she didn't feel like disturbing her boss. It was then that she spotted a room with a semi-open door. This surely made her curious and looked in to see one of the simplest, yet most ordinated rooms in the guild. "Woah…neat!" She commented. When she looked down, she could see a familiar figure.

Yori was standing at the center of the room, getting ready for something. He then raised his head and noticed the girl. "Hm?"

"Busted…" Tsukuyomi thought.

"Can I help you with something, Tsukuyomi?" Yori asked.

"Oh, nothing. I just noticed the door and…well…looked." The girl answered, sincerely. "If you want me to leave, then it's not a problem!"

"No need to be worried. You can stay if you want. As long as you don't make any noise." Yori told her before resuming his preparations. Naturally, Tsukuyomi's curiosity grew bigger, as he saw that the older mage was preparing a carpet and a boom box.

"Uhm…may I know what you're doing?" She then asked.

"Simple and plain meditation. I try to do it at least once every day. It helps out a lot for a samurai." Yori explained. "I'm sure you remember the third trait our guild must have, right?"

"きれいな心 – Kireina kokoro; A clean mind." Tsukuyomi replied.

"Correct. And meditation is the perfect way to clean the mind from all types of thoughts. My master used to tell me that the mind of a warrior must be like a temple. So, I always make sure of it." Yori replied.

"Now that I think of it, Yori is surely the calmest in here. Hmm…maybe I could try to know him better. After all, he's one of the most experienced mages in the guild and Cal's teacher…I could surely learn something from him!" The girl then thought, before asking. "Say…mind if I join in? I didn't practice much meditation up until now, so I would like to try! Well…especially considering that I'm a samurai, eh eh!"

"Sure, why not? It's a good thing that even new members try it out." Yori accepted. "Although it didn't work out well with Tammy…" He thought. Tsukuyomi was surprised by the fact that he accepted easily.

With that, the two of them got soon ready. They were sitting at the center of the room with their legs crossed. As soon as everything was in its place, Yori turned on the boom box that started to play a piece of relaxing and peaceful music.

"Oh…I…I like it!" Tsukuyomi commented.

"These discs are the best for meditation. Now we can start..." Yori said.

"And…what do I have to do?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Put your hands and your back in this position and then close your eyes. Take a deep breath and start to feel as if your head is empty. Soon enough…you'll find yourself being one with the universe and reach…peace of mind." Yori said before doing so.

Tsukuyomi was confused at first…but after taking a look at him, she tried to do the same thing.

"Free of all thoughts…" She thought.

Soon enough…not a single noise was made by the two of them. Only the soothing sound of the music in the boom box could be heard. And the girl kept on doing the practice.

At first…it seemed that nothing happened…but then…she started to feel it.

Even if she was standing in that position…it almost looked like her mind was traveling everywhere, and her spirit was starting to become pure energy. She could see herself in various places…

Near a gently flowing river.

Among blooming lotus flowers that were floating in a pond.

At the top of a building.

On a hill on a starry night.

Inside a cave full of droplets…

Inside the Sanzu River.

And then…among the countless stars…and galaxies.

Her mind was getting in every place possible…yet it remained peaceful. And as she kept on breathing deeply, she could feel the ethernano inside her flow perfectly.

Somehow…she was able to reach pure harmony as if she was developing more senses other than the regular five.

She imagined herself as a white silhouette that was floating in a white and empty space…until she found a perfect copy of herself that was pitch black. The two twins looked at each other and then decided to hold hands…mixing perfectly, and emitting a radiant light. The same light…at the end of the tunnel.

And just as she did it…the music ended, and Tsukuyomi slowly opened her eyes.

Everything remained the same…yet she was feeling…good. When she looked up at the clock, she could see that an hour passed. "Wow…"

Yori did the same shortly after. "You did well for your first time. It seemed that you felt at ease."

"Yeah…it was almost like…" Tsukuyomi tried to find the right words, but the experience she just had made her think of more versions of an answer.

-I felt pure balance

-I felt like I went to all places.

-For a moment, I thought I reached heaven.

-TENBU HORIN!

In the end, Tsukuyomi answered how she felt more like it. "I…I felt pure balance. It was like two sides of me were able to mix up…and become one."

"I see. It's kinda curious how you used this similitude, considering that your magic is a mix of two." Yori replied. "But…that's one way to describe meditation…a state where you try to find calm…and balance in your body. It works for some…and it doesn't for others."

That phrase made Tsukuyomi think of something. It was similar to the reason why she wanted to join the guild in the first place. So a question came out pretty normally.

"…Say, Yori…do you think it could help out…forgetting the past?" She asked.

"Hm?" The older mage looked at her.

"When I felt pure balance…for one moment…I felt the same thing I wanted to achieve when I joined the guild. Yet those images are still alive in me. Do you think that…something like this could help me out…get past certain memories?" The girl then explained better.

"Ah, I see. You seek inner peace." Yori figured it out. "Well…that's a complicated accomplishment to get. As far as they could be painful…memories are a part of us, and it's not something we can easily delete. You see…it's not only about getting past them…it's also about accepting them. They're still a part of your story, despite the pain they can bring to you. What you search for is what can be called 'inner peace', the total mastery of one's mind. It can be accomplished…but it takes a lot of time and mental preparation. One's personality could make it hard to reach." Yori explained. "To be fair…even if I practice with meditation…I don't feel like I've completely reached it."

Tsukuyomi was surprised by that last sentence. "You…you don't?"

Yori slowly shook his head. "There are still some…inner demons I want to be freed from."

"I see…well, I won't ask further. Still…how could I reach something like that?" The girl then asked.

"Well…as a start…even though you feel chained from your past…you could try to look up at what you are now." The older mage replied with a small smile.

"Oh! Yeah…I think I can get it…" Tsukuyomi replied, nodding with a small smile.

"You learn quickly. I admire that." The other mage told her.

"Well…when activities such as these give me a good mood, it's easier for me to understand things. Thanks, Yori! I can't wait to search for more!" The girl said, overall happy.

That sentence intrigued Yori. "…More, you say?"

"Hm? What do you mean?" The girl naturally asked.

"Well, there may be a way to give you more if you want." Yori started.

"…I mean…why not?" Tsukuyomi accepted. It could be still considered a way to know him better.

Following his proposal, Tsukuyomi was brought by Yori to the gym, but the older mage then opened another door with a special key. Once inside…the girl looked at what seemed to be another gym, but the difference was that the walls were black and orange, the floor was made of wood, and the training objects were bigger and seemed more powerful.

"What…is this?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"This is what I like the call… 'The special training room'. It's a gym made for those who want to exceed themselves for one day. But it needs a strong temperance to resist for a couple of minutes in this room. Now, Tsukuyomi Dragneel…do you think you're ready to make your first time inside this training field?" Yori said.

Tsukuyomi could feel a bit of pressure in that question, but she didn't want to quit. She wanted to show that she had the guts and it could have still worked as a way to know Yori better. So she nodded. "Let's do it!"

"Well then…" With that said, Yori threw a big rock at her, making her fall. "LIFT THIS ROCK FIFTY TIMES AND MAKE A HUNDRED PUSH-UPS, PIECE OF SHIT!"

"WHAT!?" Tsukuyomi was shocked, not only by his sudden mood change but also by the absurd request. Either way…she did her best to do it, or to be more precise…trying to do it.

After four minutes, she already fell to the ground. "I-I quit…I can't take it…"

"What did I hear? This is just the beginning! You need to reach at least half an hour!" Yori countered.

"WHAT!? This is absurd! My body couldn't hold it!" The girl protested.

"Is that so? Hmm…then I know a better way." Yori then said. He took back the boom box and turned it on. But instead of relaxing music…this time it played a heavy rock song. "You can stop once this motivating song will end."

"Oh, that seems great! How long does it last?" Tsukuyomi asked, liking the idea.

"SEVEN MINUTES AND TWENTY-FOUR SECONDS." The other samurai shouted back.

Tsukuyomi screamed in horror assuming a perfect pose a famous artist could have turned into a renowned painting.

And so…the intense training started, with the music filling the room with energy and agitation.

(So now we fly ever free! We're free before the thunderstorm! On towards the wilderness, our quest carries on!)

Tsukuyomi tried her best to run on the treadmill, but this was set at max velocity. "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RUN ON THIS!?"

"MOVE UP! IMAGINE YOURSELF TRYING TO RUN IN A TORNADO! DON'T SLACK OFF!" Yori encouraged, even using a megaphone.

"THIS WASN'T THE HEALTIEST OF EXA- AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" As Tsukuyomi protested, she ended up falling from the treadmill.

(Far beyond the sundown, far beyond the moonlight! Deep inside our hearts and our souls…)

Tsukuyomi then was forced to lift a weight of fifty pounds on her shoulders. "NGHHHH…T-This is the limit…"

"YOU'RE BARELY AT FOUR! YOU NEED TO REACH FIFTY LIKE THE POUNDS!"

"AAAAAH! I'M STARTING TO FEEL MY BACK BREAK IN HALF!" She kept on complaining…but it was just the beginning…as the music went to the main piece.

(SO FAR AWAAAAY! WE WAIT FOR THE DAAAAAY! FOR THE LIVES ALL SO WASTED AND GOOOONE!)

Tsukuyomi then made several cuts with her sword as fast as she could. "ATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATATA!"

"FASTER! YOU NEED TO BE AS FAST AS THE WIND!" Yori encouraged.

"WHY CAN'T YOU ASK THAT TO IORI OR DOMINO!?" Tsukuyomi countered.

"Actually, that's a good question…I always wondered if I could reach the speed of the wind…" Yori pointed out.

"I'VE MEANT THE OTHER IORI!" The girl shouted.

(WE FEEL THE PAAAAAIN OF A LIFETIME LOST IN A THOUSAND DAYS…)

She then was forced to do more pushups, liftings, breaking boards with her fists, catching apples, and so forth. All of them were intense and exhausting…and the music kept getting stronger and stronger.

"I'M FEELING MY BRAIN BLOW UP!"

"WE'RE GETTING TO THE BEST PART!"

(THROUGH THE FIRE AND THE FLAMES WE CARRY OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!)

A fast and hyping guitar solo started to play out, forcing Tsukuyomi to get faster and more direct with her movements, which became repetitive enough to make her look like a complete automat.

And then…finally…the music stopped.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah…" Tsukuyomi was lying down with her face splatted on the floor. She looked like a stomped gumball.

"Well done. Even if you had troubles, you were able to hold on to your word and resist." Yori commented. In an instant, he returned to his regular calm and pacific persona.

"I-I-I can barely breathe…" Tsukuyomi commented.

"I suggest you take a good rest. It was nice to spend time with you. If you want to train or meditate another time, you can go to me." And with those words, Yori started to leave.

"Uuuuuuugh…" Due to the extreme physical exertion, the girl was forced to crawl to her bedroom. "W-Well…at least the plan worked…"

---

"Ugh…" Tsukuyomi ended up staying in her bed for a good half an hour due to the exercise. It was the first time she got lactic acid the same day she did physical exercise. "Man…I didn't expect he could be so passionate in training. He's an S-Class mage after all…and man…I wonder if Cal goes through the same stuff all the time. Still…it was nice meditating with him! But…man, if the second part was tiring!" She commented before growling a bit.

She ended up leaving the door open, so when Domino was casually passing there while whistling she could notice her. "Hm? Ah! Tsukuyomi!"

"U-Uh? Oh…hey Domino…" The other girl greeted her.

Naturally, curiosity prevailed and she came closer. "What happened? You look like you made a 900 km marathon." She asked.

"Yori gave me the 'Special Training' for the first time…it hurt." The girl replied.

"Oooooh! I see what you're talking about! Yeah, we try that out sometimes! Apart from Yori, only Rokumon and Master Dohko seem to make it through properly!" Domino explained.

"Oh…" The other girl commented.

"My record was of ten minutes! Then I passed out." Domino added. "By the way, how did you reach it? It's not something easy to come up with." She then asked.

"Well, I've joined in his yoga practice and I expressed waiting for more and then…" The other girl replied.

"Ooooh! I see how it is! You made a good choice though! Yori can be of good company, he's so good at it!" Domino then commented. That phrase made Tsukuyomi look out the window.

"If I could…I would try to spend more time with someone else…"

Domino felt a bit bad after hearing her. She wanted to help her somehow, but in reality…she knew the answer. "Well…you have the answer right in front of you!"

Tsukuyomi looked at her. "You…would really do that?"

"You're talking with one who could stay 24 hours with another person! Plus, you're the newest member of the guild, so naturally, I want to dig you properly!" Domino replied with a wink.

Somehow, that moved Tsukuyomi. "Y-You're too sweet…"

"By the way…I may know the right way how to do a proper date! Follow me!" With that, Domino started to move out.

"I-I can try…" Naturally, Tsukuyomi had to move with a bit of trouble.

They've reached Domino's room, which was quite adorable. Both the walls and the bed were pink and full of shelves with shelves having books, photos of various places, and pictures of snakes.

"Woah…this is…adorable!" Tsukuyomi commented.

"Eh eh! Like it? And you still need to see the best part!" Domino replied before showing off a set of musical instruments.

The other girl could barely believe it as she came closer. "You…play?"

Domino already took the bass and started to play a few strings. "It's a passion I have! The others already know it, even If I don't perform a bit much. What about it? Care for a quick duet?" She asked.

"R-Really? Well…I do play a few musical instruments like the Biwa but…hmmm…" She gave a quick look around.

"Go ahead! I won't judge!" Domino encouraged her with a closed-eyed smile.

Tsukuyomi gave a quick look at the instruments and after careful thought…she decided to go with the drums. "So…what do I have to do?"

"Let your mind go. The music will come naturally." As she said it…Domino already started to play calm, yet nostalgic music.

Naturally, the newest member of the guild was confused at first but then…as if her arms started to move on her own…and the music flew gently and well from the beat of her drums.

They started slow, but as soon as they got the hang of it…the music became more intense and natural. Tsukuyomi started to form a genuine smile, enjoying what she was seeing while Domino was guiding her with the bass. It was as if, at that moment, their hearts became one…and they were emitting an energy made out of love and happiness.

They went harder as they were enjoying every bit, even to the point of sweating out. But they didn't care. They didn't want to let that moment that easily. Tsukuyomi felt as if…she felt herself at her fullest for a moment.

And then…they stopped and started to breathe out.

"Phew! So…how was it?" Domino asked.

"It…it was beautiful…" Tsukuyomi commented. She then noticed something she didn't expect as she touched her eye.

A single tear came out of it.

"What…? Why am I…"

"You simply enjoyed the moment that much, that's all. Even if you didn't know what to do, I could see that you were having a lot of fun, you know?" Domino explained. "I could see the real Tsukuyomi for a moment!"

"Yeah…somehow. I should take musical instruments more often then! I didn't realize…they could help that much." The other girl commented.

"Music can help in a lot of ways! Especially for someone like me!" Domino replied with a wink. She then looked out the window. "Oh! It's sunset! I didn't realize it!"

"Hm? What about it?" Tsukuyomi asked.

"Well…when I get to see the sun going down like this…I get the chance to see one unique sight." Domino answered before standing up. "Come with me! I wanna show you!" She then started to move.

Naturally, Tsukuyomi ended up following her (even with still troubles).

That brought up to the top of the mountain where the guild was standing. Luckily, from the guild's road, what was left of the uphill was a lot easier compared to the normal route, and the two girls could reach the top…which consisted of a small prairie with a cherry tree on it. From that height…the sunset was as majestic as possible, with a complete vision of the descending sun and its rays that were blending perfectly with the few clouds in the sky, which assumed a mix between pink and orange.

Tsukuyomi was left speechless as she made a few steps forward. "This is…beautiful…I never tried to go to the top of the mountain…and it turns out that I've lost a lot…" She commented in awe.

Domino was happy to see her reaction as she looked toward the horizon as well. "Whenever it's sunset and I'm at the guild, I always make sure to come up here and enjoy this sight." She spoke.

"I can see why! It's…incredible…" Tsukuyomi replied. At that moment, the wind started to flow gently and move their hair as they sat down to look at the sun.

"I love this sight…it helps me think better of what's on my head…what I lived up until now…and the dreams I intend to make true." Domino then said.

"Uh?" Tsukuyomi looked at her.

"Do you have a dream, Tsukuyomi?" Domino asked her.

Tsukuyomi was once again surprised by such a question. But this time, as she looked down, she didn't have to think about various choices, because…there could have been only one answer to that.

"I…I want to become strong enough to feel at ease. And well…being able to live up just like my mother did…with a smile on her face." She spoke.

Domino was happy to hear that. "That's a sweet dream…" She commented. "Many people say that dreams are something that should be left aside since life is tough…but I don't think that's entirely it. Indeed…life is cruel and tough…and it can bring about a lot of sorrow…but I don't see this as a reason why someone should abandon their dreams. Because in the end...they end up becoming a part of us. Even if one says that they don't have a dream, or they rather call it…a goal…they still have one. One thing they want to grasp in their life. A dream can bring a person to their fullest…or bring them down to their ruin. And if they decide to abandon it…a part of it still exists inside their hearts." She then said, as her stare became more…melancholic…yet hopeful at the same time. "I think it's a good thing to have something you want to achieve and bet your life on. Because if there wasn't one…the world would be a sad place." She then held her chest. "The idea of one being born in a certain way and living up to that only because they were born that way…is the type of fate that I can't stand…I hate it. Those who just accept this, even if they're in bad conditions...I see them as dead inside."

Tsukuyomi ended up getting caught in her speech, so much so that Domino could actually notice that.

"Hm? Ah, sorry…eh eh, I've ended up caught in talking like this. Forgive me if I sounded…weird." The girl apologized, scratching the bad of her head.

"No, don't worry! I didn't find you weird!" Tsukuyomi answered before looking forward. "On the contrary…I found it…good to listen. In a way…it resembled me."

"Really?" Domino asked.

"Yes. For many years…I thought that I would have been forced to be one specific type of person…or rather, just a number to be used for someone else's purpose. I never thought I could have had ambition, because my world was off, tied up to someone else's strings. But then…a person reminded me that there must be more out there in the world to discover…to enjoy…to live up to. That was what made me want to search for strength. I can still feel my past looking over me…and I want to finally enjoy what life can give me without concerns. Then I came here, and you guys…and another mage made me start to feel whole. Maybe…with time…these scars can be closed." Tsukuyomi explained, remembering Erza's words.

"Judging by that expression on your face, you seem sincere. You really want to help the weak, am I right? And… I can understand how you feel. I don't know what happened in your life to feel that way… but I also went through hard times, a long time ago. You're not alone on that,"

"I guess that we have more layers in common than expected! That's good to know." Domino commented.

Then, Tsukuyomi raised her head. "If so…what's your dream? Well…if you want to tell me, that is." She then asked.

"Oh don't worry! I don't mind. And well…" Domino replied. "I actually set up a few things I want to accomplish instead of bringing them with me in the grave, and I was able to already achieve the first one."

"Uh? What was it?" The other girl continued.

"Ever since I was a kid, I've always wanted to be part of a guild. One day…I was saved by a mage who could have unleashed furious thunders and…that was when it got me…I had set in mind what I wanted to do. It wasn't easy to make and I had to go through a lot of travels…but then I found Shogunate Pride…and I could see that the road of the samurai could have helped me. And now, as number XII…I can easily say that I don't regret in the slightest staying here! I hope you can feel the same in the future!" Domino explained.

"Well…considering that it's almost a month that I'm here, you can see that it's working!" Tsukuyomi replied with pleasure.

"And…well…" Domino looked back at the sun. "There are some…inner problems I want to get past as well, to be honest. So…another dream of mine would be…" At that moment…the girl raised her stare in a stoic expression. "To look up at a sunset like this and say… 'I am free'."

Tsukuyomi could feel like there was something more on that…something she could share, as she looked up as well. "Free…maybe we all want that…" The two of them looked at the sunset for a few moments more…enjoying the sight.

"…Domino?"

"Yes?"

"…Thank you for sharing this moment with me."

"Eh eh…I hope this will be the first one."

---

Night descended on the city of Elba and the guild of Shogunate Pride. Most of the members came back, just in time to hear Yukari clap her hands.

"Thank you all for the wait! I'm sure you've all worked hard today. Therefore, dinner's ready for all of you!"

"YEAH!"

All seventeen mages sat on one of the tables and started to eat and drink as loud as they could. Even Tsukuyomi was eating in a happy mood, to the point that even Rere could notice it.

"You seem quite happy today. What happened?" She asked.

"Oh, nothing much! Just that a small project of mine has been successful! I was able to know some of the group here a bit better!" Tsukuyomi replied.

"Really? And how did it go?" Rere continued.

"Well…there were particular yet interesting situations. Some of them were bizarre while others were calmer and sweeter. But…I've enjoyed all of them, to be honest!" The black-haired girl said. "I'm getting the hand on how it means to be part of a guild, or well…a group in general. And I'm glad that I ended up picking up this guild."

"Well…we are quite the bizarre people but…I can agree with you. This…is not a bad group. And in my opinion…it even got better after you joined." Rere commented.

Tsukuyomi looked at her, a bit moved. "You…you think so?"

Naturally, Rere turned red and looked elsewhere. "O-Oh man…" She commented, before getting a big hug from her guild mate.

"Knowing this can only make me happy, thank you…and…the same can be said about you! Besides…" Tsukuyomi then looked at the other guild members, who were enjoying dinner in their own way. "Today I was able to talk a bit more with some of the members…so I don't see why I shouldn't try that out with the others as well!"

Tammy could actually hear her in that regard. "ARE YOU SERIOUS!?"

"Is that so? Then next time I want to be the first one! Well…if you enjoy my company…" Rere then proposed.

"Absolutely! I'll make sure you'll have the best time!" Tsukuyomi promised.

That made Rere close her eyes and have a wavy smile. "I can't believe this is happening…" She thought.

Tsukuyomi then nodded and drank from a glass…before noticing something strange. "Wait a second, is this sake?!" She exclaimed.

"Not to ruin your mood but…that's Iku's glass," Nobuhito told her.

The world around her shattered. "WHAT!?"

"Oh my! I didn't know you liked indirect kisses, Tsukuyomi-chan…" Iku told her with a fluffy smile.

Naturally…the girl with the black kimono stared at the void for a moment. The others knew what was about to happen.

"Three…two…one…" Dohko made the count, and then…

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" The shout was strong enough to make birds in the surrounding environment fly away.

Overall…the newest member of Shogunate Pride enjoyed that day, except for its epilogue. And she would have enjoyed more…alongside other battles that would have occurred.

In fact…the next one would have come sooner than expected…

Back in town…a silhouette was looking over a certain house from the top of a building, as she formed a devious grin.

"The party will be tomorrow…I'm sure they'll enjoy the surprise."

---

And that's it for this time! To be an interlude chapter, I had a lot of fun writing this! As you could see, this was calmer and more demented compared to the others, since I wanted to give the characters a break after the long battle and in sight of the next one. I also took the chance to see some of the characters deeper through the main one! I first wanted to add more interactions with other characters and there was another scene I wanted to make, but I ended up cutting them to not make the chapter too long. I'll make sure to retake this idea in the future! After the fun I had, I can't wait to see what I can make out with the rest of the group! I also took the chance to add more important characters to the staff, as you can guess, the shogun and the empress will have a large role in the story, so make sure to not lose them in sight! Plus, I had particular fun in adding a lot of hidden references, some more obvious and others more hidden.

But of course, I leave the last word to you! Did you like the chapter? Which one was your favorite and most hilarious interaction? How many references did you catch out? And most importantly, what do you think will happen next? As always, let me know with your reviews, your opinion is important!

I'm glad that I could inaugurate 2024 with this chapter, hoping this could be a great start! Next, I'll work on Digimon Adventure 04, and then we'll get back in here and finally start the next arc for this story which I prepared during the holidays! Can't wait to reach that moment soon! I thank you for reading this chapter and we'll see you in the next one or the next chapter of another story of mine. From Bluestar here, Arrivederci!