The lobby of the apartment was already so much colder than her room. This was still the case and her room didn't even have heating that functioned well enough. She recalled the time that she'd eaten the cookies Rynah made... Two years ago she'd considered the prospect of renting a room here, at least today she could afford it. Small mercies. Maybe she'd drop by that old lady's house later tonight, wish her good fortune for the new year. Even as she considered the mere possibilities a small voice in her head was already reconsidering it. Doubt had returned with a flair, among other things. Rynah would probably remind her of home and given her recent loss and the fact that her family was back in Joya again and she couldn't spend the festive season with them, wasn't going to make her feel any better.

She fumbled with the keys again, the doorknob really needed to be fixed. She fought with it for it for quite a while, all the while piling up on an inflated sense of being a failure and general annoyance. Finally, the gentleman who lived above her decided to help her, or rather, himself. He offered that look the one which screamed You're-a-damn-lunatic. before he sidestepped and left the apartments, giving her wide-berth as he crossed her. Akira mumbled something unintelligible, but it amounted to her complaining about all the noise he made. The man never missed an opportunity to let any occupants above, below or around him just how many trysts he had, with how many visitors and how often...

If the lobby was cold, the outside was a damn tundra. The Shimada marched in spot to try keep herself warm before she started away from the building. Heading nowhere in particular. Despite the layers she wore, the brutal icy gust still managed to seep through. A part of recognised that the bite of the chill was probably worse because she felt an acute sense of loneliness. She refused to acknowledge that though, mostly because she couldn't allow herself to at this juncture. Akira didn't need company, she didn't need anyone, it is because she held that belief that she accepted the offer made to her by the council after all. She too had concluded that her experiences in the past made her resilient. Unfortunately, she failed to acknowledge how much her partner, or rather, ex-partner had chipped away at all that armour, melted away all that ice... And that it was so much harder this time around.

In her frigid state, she didn't see much choice. It forced her to streak to the bar across the street, if nothing else, then merely for the shelter. It didn't take her long to drink away some of her sorrow. Slightly loopy and still alone, she felt herself getting more and more disgusted by all the festive cheer. It all looked so pretentious too, what was the point of painting all these rosy pictures, most folks were going to return to their mundane life within the week. Resolutions only existed to be broken. Grateful for the literal warmth, she eventually found herself shirking away from the ostentatious kind shared between the folks in the bar. So she crept out again, feeling just a little more resilient to the cold. Numbness... what a beautiful thing to chase on new year's day.

Nature. The moon, the trees, the star and the skies never quite let down the observer. Humans just destroyed the integrity of everything. Nature didn't let one down nearly as often. Though it was definitely not ideal, she found herself tracing her steps towards the location of the Orchidia festival. The scene of the crimes... The ones that significantly changed things for her. Was it really that bad? Before she quite made the choice of revisiting those memories, her feet idly carried her towards the stream, precisely towards the rock on which she'd perched and met that... guy at least that is what she believed, it could've been any rock really...

And then she saw it. A head... in the water. Her eyes widened and then narrowed as she tried to focus and found herself seriously hoping that this was a trick of the moonlight. The sight had shaken out of her drunken stupor. Mentally though, her physical form didn't quite follow the alacrity of her mental faculties as she fumbled with her overcoat. She went from humanity-doesn't-deserve-to-live, to I-must-save-this-human in a blink of an eye. The spot where she stood, the sheet of ice separating her from depths was luckily thin enough. The water was deeper here and there was more flow underneath the sheet as well. There wasn't really much time to consider, not even to get rid of her clothes. She rubbed her hands and took just a moment more before diving right in. Her feet breaking through the ice and then... the water soaked through...

The glacial temperature had a rather paralytic effect on her. Come on, adrenaline.... something? she flapped her limbs in small, tight motions, but they weren't doing much to keep her afloat. I am going to die here. was her last thought as she slipped deeper.

Akira chanted in her mind, mostly because there was little chance she could maintain the energy to speak for that long. Her chant was rather pessimistic... I'm going to die.  Out of all the things that could have taken her out the last three years, Once she was forced to surrender to the flow of the stream all she could do was continued using small motions with her leg to control her trajectory. A lot of the kicking initially was full of panic and she definitely expended too much energy... Now she did just enough to keep her head above the water and managed to somehow and ensure she didn't ram herself into anything jutting out.

Her shaky arms were held out in front of her, so the outside of her forearms took the brunt of the damage from the ice that cracked around her as she streaked through the water. She was moving towards the person she had wanted to save, it would've been a small mercy, but now Aki was convinced it was merely a last cruel joke, instead of being a saviour they'd merely end up dying together. In the distance she could make out the long tresses of her target. As the person got closer, she could make out the figure of a woman, although it was hard with all that water in her eyes. She heard some words, back... shore... that coupled with the waving could either mean the person was truly in dire need of help too, or that they wished for Aki to not intervene. A little too late for either. She thought bitterly as she kicked up with all her might, almost managing to get a fair chunk of her torso out of the water this time.

Was the woman moving towards her too? Or was this just a trick of the moonlight. She swore she thought she heard her name, over the gushing of the stream. No, any hope was nothing but a mirage. Each intake of breath felt like she was inhaling flames. Despite being so close to the water the air was rather dry and of course... cold! Her breaths got shorter and shorter, her lungs felt like they were on fire. The water lapping over her face, each wave a stinging slap...  and she struggled to the will to keep sucking that air in, as water happily sneaked its way in along. She clenched her eyes shut as she sputtered. A small hopeful voice asked her to hold onto life, to have faith and not give up. She wasn't sure if she could. And she didn't, her legs stopped kicking.  

And then that voice of hope and logic morphed from her own, into another. This one too, was familiar. It demanded sense in this nonsensical situation. She felt flesh under her arm, an anchor of sorts. Without meaning to, she clawed at her saviour in silent desperation. How could she not struggle? Her dead weight and that of her soaking clothes basically hung onto the woman and upon realising that, Akira tried to pull herself away with the little strength she could muster. She was a goner anyways, she didn't have to take this woman with her. Who was this lunatic anyways?

She squinted at the face next to her. 'Al- Alisa?' she said. A part of her wanted to argue against this whole charade. But Alisa was probably among the few in Fiore that Aki knew could potentially pull this off. Wasting time in convincing her to let the Shimada go, only to probably have her struggle more, would be as futile as her attempt to save the Vollan had been. She quickly changed tactics again and attempted aiding the Blue Pegasus mage as she hauled them towards safety.  'I- I barely di- did' she said responded as the Vollan had the endurance to joke amidst all this. Her choice of words far crisper than the swimsuit clad Alisa. Wait! Swimsuit? Despite the strength and grace and everything else, this made Alisa a certified crazy person. She probably wouldn't have voiced her opinion had it not been for her residue drunkenness and tactlessness borne out of facing her mortality. 'You're bonkers!' she exclaimed as her feet half-trailed half-stumbled on the riverbed.

She had survived! The water growing seemingly shallower was a testament to that. What a lovely way to start a new year! Indebted to a friend. Alisa's presence offered warmth and Aki clung on rather shamelessly, she was glad for the support. Finally upon noticing that despite the calm exterior Alisa's actions were not without struggle, she let go. Folding onto her fours immediately. She sputtered and crawled away from the water slowly, before turning and flopping down, she glared at the mage, who still looked like perfection as the small drops of water froze on her pristine skin. 'I owe you my life.' she said softly before wrapping her arms around herself.

She didn't argue with the suggestion Alisa offered. The fabric on her would soon be a board of ice on the outside and only seek to draw all the heat her body could make... It wouldn't do much to keep her warm. In the distance she noticed her coat lying abandoned. 'Look away.' she whispered softly as she wrapped the towel around herself and with fumbling fingers got rid of the garments, except the underclothes. She slowly albeit unsteadily tiptoed to her long overcoat and donned it, carrying her shoes and socks back towards Alisa. 'Please tell me you do plan on spending the rest of new year's somewhere much much much warmer than this...' She didn't mean to force her company, but there were some gestures that warranted it, saving a person from the icy depths of a frozen stream was definitely one of them. Plus they did have a fair bit to catch up on, since their time at the cottage.

'N-no!' she snapped playfully, blatantly denying any craziness within her, even though Alisa had already witnessed those bits. She wanted to emphasise her intent was to save a person and even though quite the contrary happened, at least she didn't willingly choose put herself through some testing ordeal! But her exclamations would have to wait, and in all fairness they'd be nothing but echoes of all the nagging she put the Vollan through when she visited the cottage about a year ago. Despite all the words often beseeching Alisa to see reason and not put her body through these torturous conditions, both of them knew there was grudging admiration under that voice of reason.

She had offered an apologetic look after reaching for the towel and accepting it. Aki found herself wishing she had the honour and resilience to deny it, but she really did want the water off before it decided to freeze on her. Besides it was quite clearly established that she didn't have the endurance to deal with this particular kind of discomfort. Buying dinner would be a smaller sacrifice now than it would have been when she'd run into Alisa for the very first time. Being a captain-commander, obviously paid much better than being a mere apprentice, even though she was undercover. She wanted to retort but held onto her words yet again. Aki was waiting to find the strength to be coherent, because she really didn't like the idea of her words being reduced to a weak whimper. She'd accurately assumed that she'd barely manage a stammer at the moment. She did suck in her lips into a line to prevent them from trembling and to relay that she wasn't quite in agreement with just dinner being enough.

As they had both politely turned away, Aki's keen eyes had shot around through the darkness to ensure no one was around as she sloppily got rid of her sweater and top. She had wrapped any exposure under the towel swiftly to ensure the lack of indecency. The towel had soaked away enough of the water as she'd slid the thick black coat back on, a sigh of relief followed. Even though it didn't make her feel warmer instantly because her body still had to start generating the heat that the damn thing could trap, at least the fabric sliced through the sting of the biting breeze.  Then she'd moved on to her pants kicking them off and stepping out of the puddle they were. The coat only covered her a little over her knees. It didn't look all that odd... To a passerby it could mean she was just sporting a dress underneath. Her legs stuck out from underneath. At least that was the most resilient parts and could potentially handle the cold at least until she got a change of clothes.

By the time she finished and stood up, ready to turn, Alisa had crept up behind her. Aki jolted a little as her body reacted to the unexpected proximity of her presence, but she hoped that she managed to pass if off as a shiver. There were already tiny icicles in Aki's hair, and as Alisa shook it out with the towel gently, Aki hummed her gratitude softly and finally found her voice. 'Thanks... I'm not sure if my hands would've quite done the job well.' She held out her hands to attest to what she meant, and they truly didn't look like they were capable of perfect motor skills just yet. It was yet another kind gesture, though this one was nothing as grand as saving a life, Aki cherished it the same nonetheless. Kindness had been tough to come by and she hadn't even registered that she was in dire need of witnessing and experiencing some. She must have sounded weird anyhow though, since she'd chosen to speak much slower than usual, still in an attempt to avoid the stutter. She even tensed all her muscles to prevent the constant shivering just to at least stand with some modicum of pride now that she was out of the water.

She turned back around and noticed that Alisa had garbed herself in black too, although the quality of their choices were vastly different. Alisa looked like the child of the night itself. Like the dark fabric of the sky had clung itself around the woman while Aki looked away. She held Alisa's crimson eyes, but there was a small smirk stretching across her lips. 'And I'm not crazy! Might've been a little drunk but I had to try save a life! And now that I've had mine saved instead, I must remind you, its value is more than some goddamn dinner!' The Lunar mage exclaimed, making light of her own shortcomings and voicing all the words she'd held back, all at once. 'No parties for me...' she mumbled softly now, allowing for the brief bitterness to seep into her words. 'Hot chocolate does sounds great! I wouldn't want to hold you back from the bash though! I just want to sit by a fire for the rest of the year, but first I'm going to need to make a quick stop to get a change of clothes.'

She plonked herself on a rock to stuff her feet into her shoes, all the actions took longer than she'd have liked. Her body was not very keen on obeying her mind in the circumstances. The fact that her mind led to this predicament was definitely contributing to the general physical incapability that came with the cold. When Alisa joked about her feat being a cheaper deal for a friend. Aki merely scoffed playfully as she stifled a bittersweet chuckle and rolled her eyes. She couldn't fault Alisa for her take on the matter. The Shimada did possess the ability to step out of herself. In fact, while she didn't appear to be emphatically empathetic per se, her deductions, in any situation stemmed from precisely that attribute. Either out of intrigue or out of need, she'd often find herself thinking in the perspective of the other (enemy or otherwise).

Today offered the same opportunity. While Aki felt indebted, Alisa's demeanour forced her to check in and search for an explanation by witnessing the moment through the eyes of the crystal mage. The Vollan had been a high ranking member for too long, much longer than Aki, her life was definitely not the first she had saved, either directly or indirectly and it wasn't going to be the last. So this was probably a deed to discount in the mind of the huntress, especially because they did share a bond to top it all and Alisa had highlighted as much. That brought Aki the sort of warmth no clothes and fireplace ever could.

To hope to return the favour someday would be a morbid thing to wish upon a friend. With the intent to simply unburden herself from the weight of the debt, she couldn't possibly wish for Alisa to be in a life-threatening situation. Needless to say that should it ever happen, Aki would do her absolute best. She was fairly certain that in such a moment, the debt would not be the driving force that'd make her act. She had displayed the reckless lack of her own self-preservation when it came to the lives of others by jumping in today. There was no need to wallow in this. Her pride could stand to take another hit. It was a reminder that she really did need to work on improving her constitution in a manner similar to Alisa perhaps,so she could endure more and hopefully protect better.

She folded her feet and struggled with her laces as Alisa collected her things. She had to admit, that this tenacity wouldn't last long enough for her to act on it consistently. Her heroism today was an instinct, a very in-the-moment gesture. Unlike her ex-partner, Aki hardly spent her days toiling only to save others. In fact, on the contrary she usually believed that mankind was doomed no matter what her actions. Half the time she was convinced she was playing her part towards that bitter end. 'Oh all right! Hot chocolate and food and everything else tonight, is on me.' she conceded, still trying to somehow go beyond and offer more than just a dinner. She got off the rock on cue, as Alisa's gentle touch prompted her to let go and to move on, physically too.

Her climb was a little awkward, her knees knocked ever so often, but one they were on flat ground and she was a little warmer, her gait got better. Alisa's presence close enough was reassuring, it'd be quite an embarrassment to fall over, although it wasn't too much to hope that any passerby was likely to discount such an occurrence as a drunk folly. She certainly wasn't the only one stumbling. 'Who knows... maybe I'll change my mind too.' she muttered softly in a tone that contradicted the words. But she wasn't truly giving it much thought as they walked on towards the café. The choice was rather appropriate, the place was a cosy one, still constructed on the outskirts of the town. It was mostly for travellers passing through the town. Apart from offering food, they provided rooms to for people rest overnight and Aki had actually stayed there briefly before renting her apartment. Maybe they could lend her a bathrobe or something...

'Mhmm?' she acknowledged, absently upon hearing Alisa's voice, but not having registered the words just yet since she'd been a little distracted with whether or not she'd get a temporary change of clothes inside. When she did, register the question, she didn't feel the pressing need to elaborate just yet. Instead, she sheepishly looked away, and formulated a thread of thoughts in an attempt to explain all the predicaments she had found herself in after leaving the cottage in the mountains. Perhaps her avoidance prompted a more specific inquiry, one which definitely didn't make things any easier. She bit her lip and waited till they got indoors. She made a bee-line for the receptionist before entering the lounge and requested the robe, luckily she met no resistance. While she ducked into a bathroom, Alisa went on to pick out a table.

Garbed now in a sleek wine coloured robe, she slid into the chair across Alisa, placing her own palms on the table, as she absently mimicked the crystal mage. 'So... This is going to sound super odd... but I rose to Captain-commander and then something happened... I was reprimanded and I essentially stepped down.' she winced as she spoke, her words a bit of a swift slur as though she was ripping of a band-aid. Mostly because she wished to offer the true context at least to Alisa, but knew she couldn't. While her personal trust extended to her allies, Adragna's surely didn't. However she was prepared to supplement it with most of the truth, without sabotaging her alleged future mission, should Alisa ask.

Akira was glad that Alisa had not contended her offer to make provisions for whatever they chose to indulge themselves with tonight. Or rather in the wee hours of the morning, since the new year had already commenced. Plunging into the icy depths and barely escaping the claws of death was an adventurous start, to put it mildly. The warmth of the company she'd earned herself was worth it though. Akira wasn't the sort to seek people out in her loneliness, but she wasn't one to turn away from a chance encounter like this one. Rare as they were.

To an onlooker, their interaction probably appeared reserved and even formal in nature. However, Akira knew that their camaraderie had grown significantly and boasted of a lot of warmth, comfort and understanding. It truly was nice to start a new year with somebody who saw past her magic, who saw past her broody demeanour and noticed that the Shimada had something worthy to offer. She kept in mind to ask Alisa about the party she had her eyes set on. Mostly because Aki was curious as to the sort of gathering the crystal mage would grace with her presence. The lunar mage could hardly keep up with the town's events to know all the happenings.

Though Aki had witnessed the more blunt and focused side of the Vollan, she was certain there was more to her. With her charm and objectively appealing appearance (not to mention that she did take pride in it and put effort to accentuate what she possessed seemingly effortlessly) she probably had a much better time keeping up with the social expectations. After all Blue Pegasus was famous for housing the bold and the beautiful. Even as she briefly pondered, her curiosity grew and she struggled with an almost compulsive need to shed aside her worries and let the night lead them into frivolity so she may explore more of her friend's sides and maybe, even her own.

Alisa's words reaffirmed her position on Aki's side, though she still wanted to see if she held that position after hearing the whole story. If she did, it would make Akira rather happy to have someone who... understood. And yet, perhaps because of Adragna's influence or just because she had met other worthy Knights amidst the mediocre ones, she felt a pressing need to defend the organisation, when Alisa highlighted their conservative nature. 'That is changing...' she piped up and then added 'albeit slowly' with a sigh. When the Vollan casually pressed on, Akira was met with the desire to spill as much of the story as she could. She hadn't realised how much she still wanted to justify her actions and that despite being offered a chance to redeem herself, a part of her truly felt like she didn't have to. On cue, Alisa reassured of the same, which did their part in lifting the young girl's spirit.

She dropped her voice to a softer whisper, carefully eyeing the waiter as he made their way towards them. 'Well, I was offered a job and I sort of took matters into my own hands.' she started. Pausing at a rather inopportune moment hoping that the Vollan hadn't already allowed that to color the rest of the story. Alisa placed their first order. 'Oh definitely! We're both getting a grand special meal. But first, I'd like to thaw my insides before I work on digesting food, the ice queen better get something though!' she joked, mostly rushing the waiter and establishing that she had full intent to make this grand as per her promise to treat the two. Once the handsome man was out of earshot, Akira softly narrated her story.

She explained how she was to gather intelligence and follow around a man trying to organise a coup against Reign. Though Alisa had probably heard of the whole mess, at least from the perspective of the council and public, Aki offered her own version. The grotesque details that led her to killing the target she was to follow. She eagerly explained how he sought to offer slaves as bribes in an attempt to rally the support of the older nobles. Aki explained that she had to confront him when it was no longer just rumors. When she found out that he truly had a shipment full of slaves docked up at Hargeon and the conflict it generated resulted in him threatening the life of all those poor souls... The hot chocolate arrived in time to sweeten the rather bitter tale and she paused, staring at Alisa with wide eyes, almost as though waiting for her verdict.

Akira chewed the inside of her cheek, she shook her legs in impatience and to enjoy the sensations and warmth that replaced the numbness. Her hands fiddled too, playing with the ties of the robe she'd been offered. A wariness flickered through her eyes when Alisa mentioned the change in regime. Her lips pressed into a thin line to indicate her empathy, while remaining silent on that subject, simply because she didn't see the need to re-establish the good that came out of the change. That would probably force them both to set the good against the inevitable loss that came with it, that sort of contrast often left things sour.

The Shimada knew it was a bit of a sore topic for the Vollan. In someways, the Lunar mage had had an easier time accepting the fate of Fiore and the means used to achieve such an end. The force employed to wrest the crown from the corrupt king was shady at best, but objectively it was intriguing that Arthurias had managed to use potential villains to eradicate a much more insidious monster. She knew her ability to be objective and her relative ease stemmed from something selfish and if she thought beyond herself, she could understand how doubt still lingered in the minds of others. Akira hadn't lost anyone close to her in that war, those who had, probably took longer to deal with the wounds left behind. She'd never pressed Alisa for details, but intuitively had realised that the Pegasuses member fell into the latter category.

Regardless, she did pipe in when it came to the Knights, betraying more hope and optimism than she intended and perhaps a heavy hint as to her inclination to return. 'I sure hope they do change.'  The faction, it bore the scar of being an underwhelming organisation for too long. Aki was acutely aware of the the group's shortcomings. She did attribute it an unwillingness to challenge the perception that surrounded them and instead seek comfort in those assumptions and additionally using them as an excuse to stagnate. 'Regardless, I suppose I can enjoy the freedom for the time being.' she added, nonchalantly, hoping she was just being paranoid and hadn't given up too much. This was mostly to keep Adragna's faith, if change had to brought, it had to be from within... Adragna was one of the few she trusted, the sort who'd help in this endeavour, or maybe provide her a larger focus... A greater enemy.

She didn't want to spill too much simply because she knew Alisa had her own battles and one doesn't burden their friends unnecessarily. She was guilty enough about the events that lead them here. Stupid winter. she cursed inwardly. Which brought them back to the order problem. Aki made up her mind to ask for the chef's special, along with whatever else the crystal wielder had in mind.

The lunar mage's anxiety had been for naught, Alisa reacted exactly how the Shimada had hoped. She'd have done the same thing. 'Exactly.' she emphasised, her word echoing relief that there were others who understood her motivations. She couldn't help but pair it with a slightly smug smirk, it just felt good for her act to be seen for what it was, without all the nagging about appearances. 'To be fair, I chose to walk away, I suppose they simply didn't have the equipment to deal with the aftermath and it seemed easier for them and me.' she boldly defended yet again. Which was a fair defence, because unlike the other guilds, the factions were more chained by the expectations of the crown and had to keep up pretences that reflected that of the kingdom. Fairy Tail, Lamia Scale and Blue Pegasus were on a much longer leash... But if everyone refused to join the force in favour of that freedom, the faction would be hollow and serve only as an illusion. Now that Aki had already aligned herself, she was more and more inclined to make a difference. One way or another.

It was kind of hilarious, that she harboured much dislike for aspects of her crew and yet sought to protect it when an outsider, even a friend reiterated the assumptions surrounding the force. But beyond this, Aki decided to shut up about it with a steely resolve. Words would never match actions, but it was interactions like these that slowly seeded her with a desire to bring change and to work beyond mere duty. Once the hot chocolate was served, the steaming soul nourishing beverage allowed them to drift into a comfortable silence. She drew a long breath and enjoyed the rich bittersweet scent that'd wafted into the empty diner.

When Alisa confirmed that she'd like to leave the choice of the meal to the Shimada, she waved to the waiter and ordered a chef's special for them both and croissants to go with the chocolate. 'You'll just have to work through that big meal, their portions are huge, its very homey.' she mused and finally took a sip of her chocolate. The silence didn't linger too long. Aki returned a polite inquiry, her curiosity piqued as she issued the words and then took another sip. 'What have you been up to since we last saw each other?'

'You're right.' Aki said simply, as the Vollan suggested something that wasn't entirely false. Orders could potentially cloud Aki's instinctive judgement, but the fact that they didn't was what landed her into her current state. However, for the most part, Adragna was more trusting. What she had now felt more mutual and more trusting. It could change in a moment's notice however. She folded her hands, as if the gesture of stubbornness would help her maintain her pretentious demeanour. However, as she slipped into her role just a tad more, Alisa's words inspired a very a potentially radical plan. As she was reminded of the frustration she experienced in the faction, she wondered if she'd be able to channel it right to expedite the process. Enemy of the enemy is a friend, right? If she was to infiltrate the so called enemy she'd have to take the risk of severing ties with her faction more publicly.

It was highly likely that she'd lose a lot in this bargain. Should she have the losing hand and the chips were to fall where they would, she'd probably be left with no one. Her eyes glazed over just for a second and she quickly lifted her cup and took a long draught of the drink, unabashedly slurping at the warm liquid. She took the stolen moment blink away any indication of her fears, that had translated into tears that thankfully never fell. 'I guess I'd been wasting my time, I should use this freedom for something better.' she said, tentatively, almost as though practising her haughtiness and testing waters with this new persona she was to adopt. She wondered if Adragna had left things undefined for Aki to take matters into her own hand or not. Regardless, unless stopped, she intended on going through with it. The risk was high, but perhaps it'd be like taking fate into one's own hands and drawing blood to prevent bloodshed.

'They need to grow a pair.' She said dismissively. Still a little wary and hoping that she was at least some what natural in the way things suddenly progressed. It was fair to react this way in her mind. Conversations often grew this way, opinions changed and sometimes so did beliefs. Besides, there was no point in publicly stepping down if she couldn't play off the potential of animosity, how else was she to play bait? The time was ripe and as much as it didn't feel right to hoodwink Alisa, the Vollan was the most neutral target she could find. The least judgemental and hopefully the first who would understand the Shimada's choices when the truth had the chance to resurface... If the truth had the chance to resurface. She swallowed the wad of fear borne out of uncertainty yet again.

At this point, she did worry that she may have dampened the mood, or worse, made things rather awkward with this sort of bipolar behaviour. At least Alisa's pensive and slightly despondent questions did highlight discrepancies in what the organisation was and what it was supposed to be. 'Protecting becomes rather difficult when one is strung up by the strings of politics.' she ruminated, now more measured in her tone again. She recalled the skills Adragna had left her with. Alisa was the attentive sort, but they also had a bond of mutual trust and respect. Plus, she herself wasn't part of the knights, so the risk of messing up her newest plan, was certainly lower. 'I suppose there are still a few others like me, toiling and hoping for change, maybe they'll fare better than I did.' she sighed.

The conversation lilted on that note for a bit, before food became a welcome distraction yet again. 'Oh? I believe I've crossed that place a few times, I'm of a small appetite usually, so I never thought to go in, but I'll make it a point to do so next time!' Aki chirped as the croissants arrived. The waiter seemed to have overheard their conversation. The Shimada idly watched him, expecting something akin to hurt at the insult, instead he was filled with some sort of a competitive vigour as he made a bee line for the kitchens.  

'Not good at all.' Aki said, slightly bitterly yet again. There was the recent change in regime in Bosco, which could definitely not mean good things for any countries that share borders with them... Fiore included. But the bigger threats, were rumours about potential demon incursions, it is what struck the match that lit the fire between the Knight factions after all. In combination it could prove rather lethal. If the risk of the demon invasions were true, and not exaggerations by the Holy Knights as a power play, the country could be left weak and vulnerable to conquering, even if they survived. She wondered if the evidence was dark enough to compel the involvement of other guilds. 'What is the worst you've heard?' Aki asked, softly leaning in closer.

The mood and tone of the conversation had probably stolen from the festivities significantly. She felt like that cloud of rain that brought everyone down wherever it went. Maybe when the food was served, they'd find a reason to abandon the conversation about the possibly perilous future.

Akira tried to take the slander against her faction at face value. Regardless, she pursed her lips to prevent breaking character yet again and jumping in to defend them. She could see why so many would hold such beliefs and unfortunately, she had no concrete way to refute their statements. She simply nodded as her resolve was tested, perhaps unwittingly, perhaps intentionally. Was the Shimada still that transparent? Was her struggle and internal turmoil obvious? Maybe the Vollan was just that keen. It wouldn't matter, because either way the Blue Pegasus member didn't show a keen interest to force the truth from Akira, or any inclination to deter or aid Akira on whatever was to happen.

She couldn't disagree that work got done faster when she was alone, but having worked with at least one other person extensively, she also believed worked got done better with company. She couldn't be as thorough alone as she could afford to be when she had Tsuru around. That wouldn't be an apt argument anyways, one didn't have the luxury to be thorough when put in the spot to make a split second decision. The whole ordeal had left her introspective to say the least, she had a fair array of skills to hone and which she picked to invest in first could potentially alter her future significantly.

The food was a welcome distraction. The chef had outdone himself. The scent of the goods wafted through the entire diner. Akira drew a long breath in, before a single word from Alisa forced a dread in the Shimada's heart. 'Demons... That menace...' she mumbled softly. It was the most recent and perhaps the more dangerous addition to the things on her platter. Adragna had warned her of the possible incursions and had instilled the idea of using them as a way to take forward the infiltration plan. She had to admit, the woman had the ability to juggle multiple missions and outcomes and it was quite impressive, especially because while doing so she also managed to draw connections to tie things together. 'She most certainly hasn't, I think I've heard a fair share of rumours about them too.' she added, her tone darkening. The confirmation from the Vollan sure didn't help. She was almost hoping the crystal mage had heard of anything, but the demons.

'Small mercies.' Akira responded, as her all-work attitude kicked up to full drive again. Her body stiffened, her muscles tensed as the promised threats of the future got ever closer. 'But if we were to face them coincidentally together or even in quick succession, the country could be left significantly bruised...' she muttered calmly. The growth of her own capabilities gave her the ability to be just a little more optimistic and to display some grace under pressure. If she was to face news like this back when she first met Alisa, Akira would've probably reacted very differently.

They only took casual pauses as the conversation meandered from the past, to the present and to the future. Most of it remained fixed on matters of the kingdom, the state of the guilds, factions and Fiore in general. The more she talked, the guiltier she felt, that she was just sitting here and not doing more about all the conditions they could potentially face. Alisa was already stronger, she had to be, Akira couldn't say the same for herself. If she too was to some day hope that the faction would be able to equal the strong guilds, she'd have to be able to measure up to members like the Vollan. Perhaps she never would, but that shouldn't keep her from trying.

The fact that the Vollan could use a moment to entertain herself, only reminded Akira that she couldn't, not yet. 'Oh!' she exclaimed softly, blushing as she realised what a downer she'd been. The Shimada was glad that she and Alisa were comfortable enough to end things abruptly without any hard feelings or feeling the need to remain too formal. She waved her hand dismissively, 'By all means, I mean you already look pretty killer, I can only imagine the results of further preparations, I'll consider stopping by later at night, should my stupid preoccupations allow it.' she responded with a gentle smirk and waved the woman goodbye, hoping they'd get to run into each other soon enough. But given the path that lay ahead, Aki could only hope that her antics would never land her against Alisa, or if they did, the Vollan would have the insight to know the Shimada's intent.