As they came back to the gathering point, Miyu offered a calming herbal tea she had brewed herself and gave it to Amaya first, "Here you go," Amaya took the cup with a quiet curiosity on her face, taking a sip, her countenance lighting up with excitement, "Savory!" Miyu smiled as well, "Okay, okay, this will help you feel better," She also offered cups to the others, even though Ayuri politely declined.
The air within the headquarters felt charged with a quiet intensity as
Hiroki, Miyu, and Ayuri gathered around a large wooden table, and they sat down on the brown floor rug that they had cleaned a time ago, while Amaya was sitting on a far chair drinking her tea, and Kenji was standing at the door as his mood prefers. The dim light from the candle chandeliers above cast soft red rays across the room.
As all their gazes fixed on Ayuri, she released a weary sigh and declared, "Alright, I'll speak.. about my past.."
With a serious tone, she straightened and began to talk..
"At one time, the kingdom of Yumix was under the rule of the first royal family. It was a phase marked by peace and prosperity, which shifted profoundly with the arrival of the power upheaval." Her eyes dulled. "Two sisters were next in line to rule, but neither was interested in taking the throne. Yet, there was someone who sought to manipulate them, to force one of them into power for his own gain." The room felt as if it were shrinking around them, the dancing candlelight creating haunting shadows on the walls.
"A rebellion erupted against the sisters, plunging the kingdom into turmoil. There was a lack of information in first place, and many details were lost in the upheaval. Yumix then divided into two factions; supporters of the old regime and advocates of the new one."
Yuri's tone became frosty, and her demeanor stiffened. "The new regime, fearful of the old system, tightened its grip and became increasingly oppressive.. punishing anyone who maintained ties to the past. However.. A third faction made the decision to completely turn against Yumix. These people… they were different. They harbored a deep-seated hatred for the kingdom, they were willing to go to any lengths to see it fall."
A thick silence enveloped the room as Ayuri took a brief pause, Her eyes wandered off into the distance, as though she was trapped in the painful memories that replayed endlessly in her thoughts.. As it seems to them only. "My family.." she continued, "was entangled in this conflict.. They went missing during the upheaval. I believe it could be a result of these Yumix enemies."
The words she just said loomed over the group, Shock was evident on their faces, that was entirely unforeseen. Amaya felt a surge of sympathy for Ayuri, her eyes revealed it, despite Ayuri's faint smile.
Ayuri resumed her serious conversation, "And through the information I obtained from my researches that I collected from my works with the elite royal team, I have come to something about one of the most dangerous men who are against the current regime.. a man who is almost like a shadow in the dark." As Ayuri spoke, Hiroki's eyes began to widen in panic, "He was known for his magic, known as the hands of an octopus, which were enough to crush anything in its path, and his name was.. Eldarion." Her words caught everyone's attention and attracted them even more, "If that accurate, then it seems that he is the same person, who attacked Amaya and her brother.. He is the one involved with these enemies, and may even be one of the organizers of their plans."
Shocked murmurs filled the room, with each person responding differently to the tale. Yoru kept her feelings to herself and was somewhat reserved. The only one who stood out differently in his reaction was Hiroki, whose quietness revealed his inner tension and confusion.
"Even with all that said, this isn't precisely what I was hoping to find out... Why is all this happening in first place, why am I in this place, and what about the book? why is Ayuri refraining from saying any of it... There still a lot I don't understand.." Hiroki was deep in his own thoughts.
Until Amaya broke the silence, her voice trembling slightly as she finally spoke. "I--'ll help .. Count me in—I want to land a hand!" She said while her tone was resolute despite the fear in her eyes. "I'll do whatever I can to stop them." Innocence radiated from her as she desperately attempted to offer all she had regardless of her situation.
Ayuri turned to her, her features hidden in shadow while the flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows around them. She returned a soft smile, however there was a certain chill in her eyes. "That's kind of you, Amaya" she said slowly, "but you should focus on keeping your safety in check. You are the most vulnerable one here. You shouldn't delve too deeply into these matters.. Our current duties with PHG include your protection, so there's no need to worry."
"But—" Amaya started to protest, clenching her fists, despite there was hesitation in her voice.
"No," Ayuri said, cutting her off, her smile fading. "Leave the fighting to us. We'll protect you. For now, don't get involved more than you have to."
"I-I don't want to feel like a burden to you." Amaya lowered her head.
"You're not," Hiroki reassured her. "Just trust us for now, can't you?"
Amaya's eyes lit up at his words, she finally felt some acceptance. "Fine..." She sighed, "but I won't just sit back forever."
Ayuri gave a brief nod, and then stood up. "Well, for now I have some missions to do, I did what is needed currently. Please take care of her for me.. She's been through enough."
Ayuri waved goodbye and walked out the doors, her footsteps fading into the night.
Amaya, clearly exhausted, was the first to doze off, after Ayuri requested for her to sleep here in this room.
Gradually, everyone started leaving, until only Hiroki and Yoru remained.
As Hiroki quietly closed the door behind them, the chilly breeze brushed his face. Once he turned to the other side, Yoru stepped in—so close he could feel her breath. Her hand slammed the wall beside his head, pinning him in place.
His heart pounded rapidly. "Y-Yoru...?"
She leaned in, her gaze sharp "Hiroki... what do you think of Ayuri?" Her voice was low, almost menacing.
"W-What do I think of her? What do you mean?" Hiroki blinked, and his face grew warm. "I-I... it's not what you think! I don't even know what you mean!"
Yoru narrowed her eyes, stepping even closer. "I can see that.. But something about her isn't right. Haven't you sensed it?"
"Huh? What are you even talking about?" Hiroki blinked, not understanding what she talking about.
"The way she acts... the way she carries herself. It's like she's hiding something. I just.. don't trust her."
"Seriously?" Hiroki still unsure of where Yoru was going with this. "Do you think she's hiding something dangerous?"
Yoru sighed and shook her head, stepping back from the wall. "Forget it. Just... ignore what I said."
"But—" Hiroki wanted her to explain.
"Anyway," Yoru cut him off, and her tone shifted while looking aside. "What are we going now to do about Amaya? And... your plans?"
Hiroki let out a sigh, and went along with her question earnestly. "Well... I want to prevent these people, who follows Eldarion. I can't let them hurt anyone else. And Amaya... I want to save her too. She didn't deserve to be dragged into this." Hiroki's face became more gloomier. "I don't want to repeat the same mistakes of the past... I will ensure that doesn't occur, even if it means facing it straight on and sacrificing more!"
The still wind flowed between them in silence, Yoru gazed into his eyes with wonder, seeing something admirable reflected back.
"I get that," she muttered under her breath. Then, she carried on asking again, "And Ayuri? What do you want to do about her?"
Hiroki hesitated for a second. "I.. want to know more. About her. There is a lot I want to know from her, honestly."
Yoru's expression hardened again. "Tch... Whatever. We need to be careful with each move we make from here now on."
"Oh, yeah, I guess" Hiroki found her reaction a bit odd but kept heading to the dorm regardless. While Yoru decided to stay with Amaya to ensure her safety.
Behind the house, in the shadows, Miyu who was hiding, stood frozen. Her heart pounded as she processed everything she had just overheard, covering her mouth with her hands from the shock.
"Ayuri?... Amaya?... What does this all mean, why would Ayuri hide something that dangerous from us? Could the golden book have something to do with it?... I have to look into it!"
Miyu's eyes narrowed in determination. Whatever Ayuri was hiding, she wanted to uncover it.