The next morning, Judgment Squad gathered in the courtyard, waiting for their mission briefing. Today would be Tsuki's first official assignment with Memento, and the early sun cast long shadows across the stone floor as the squad chatted to pass the time. Everyone was present—except Geo, who was running late per usual.
Knoxx paced back and forth like an impatient kid. Ten seconds of silence was apparently too much for him. He spun toward Tsuki.
"Tsuki, train with me before Geo gets here! Please?"
Tsuki blinked. "Won't he be here any minute? And this is my first mission—I'm not trying to start it exhausted."
"It'll be quick!" Knoxx cut in immediately, already bouncing on his feet.
Hatori's lips pulled into a tiny smirk. Azumi, on the other hand, looked like Knoxx's voice physically pained her.
Tsuki sighed. "Fine. But quick."
Knoxx pumped a fist skyward. "YES. Hand-to-hand only. No abilities. No Miagi for me, no shadow thingies for you."
Tsuki laughed despite herself. "You're serious?"
Knoxx nodded hard, determination igniting in his eyes.
"Okay, sure. No abilities," Tsuki said.
They squared up across from each other. Knoxx's stance tightened—shockingly focused for someone with the attention span of a sugar-fed squirrel. Tsuki watched his weight shift, his fingers twitch, the almost imperceptible way he leaned in before—
Knoxx struck first. He lunged with a quick jab, aimed at Tsuki's face. Tsuki parried. Smooth. Clean.
She countered with a sharp kick—
—but Knoxx ducked under it, popped up, and drove an uppercut into her abdomen.
The air left her lungs in a brutal whoosh.
"Oof—!"
She dropped to one knee, clutching her stomach.
Knoxx threw his arms up in celebration.
"I beat the newbie!" he crowed, grinning like an idiot.
Azumi buried her face in her hands while Hatori quietly applauded Knoxx's stupidity.
Tsuki coughed and shot Knoxx a glare, but before she could say anything—
"Yo, Judgies!"
Tona strolled in with his usual lazy confidence. His white coat was dusty and battered from whatever mission he'd just crawled out of, but the grin was the same as always. One hand lifted in a half-hearted wave; the other stayed in his pocket.
"Newbie's getting her ass beat, yeah?"
Tsuki rolled her eyes. Hatori snorted just loud enough for her to hear.
Tona laughed softly. "Kidding. Mostly."
Tsuki managed a small smile. "Glad to see you, Tona."
He walked over and offered her a hand. She took it, rising to her feet.
"Mind if I show you something?" he asked, tone casual but eyes sharp.
Tsuki thought, He doesn't even have an ability and he fights like a monster—or at least, I've heard. Yeah, he probably has something to say.
"Sure," she said. "Lay it on me."
Tona stepped back, keeping a calm composure. "Good. Was gonna show you either way."
He mimicked her earlier kick in a slower motion, showing her the flaws.
"You aimed too high. Leaves your whole center open. Try lower — same damage, less risk."
He demonstrated again, slow and clean, his foot stopping right where Tsuki's abdomen had been exposed.
"Knoxx," he called, "test dummy."
Knoxx's grin dropped instantly. "Dude… come on."
Tona pointed at a spot on the ground. Knoxx sighed and trudged over.
Tona shot Tsuki a thumbs-up, then snapped a sharp kick into Knoxx's abdomen. The impact cracked the air. Knoxx flew back, arms flailing, before crashing onto the stone.
His groan was loud and echoed through the courtyard. He received concerned glances from others passing.
Tsuki stared, jaw dropped.
Tona gave her another thumbs-up, same cheeky grin.
"Even the smallest of changes can have the biggest impacts. Remember that."
Tsuki nodded. A mischievous grin crossed her face.
"Knoxx! Test dummy."
Knoxx brought himself upright into a sitting position, still dazed. "Like hell I would!"
Tona chuckled as he turned toward the tents lined across the courtyard. "Well, I'll be off. Mission kicked my ass this morning, gonna go sleep until Maro drags me out again."
He playfully waved back at the others, before calmly walking towards his tent. He stopped for a moment and turned back towards Tsuki.
"Oh, and Tsuki," he called, a hint of pride in his voice. "Congratulations. Welcome to the family."
She smiled at him, a warm pressure swelling in her chest.
"Thank you, Tona."
He gave a quick nod, before turning and walking off. He disappeared behind the flap of his tent.
Family. Family, he said. If only I knew what that meant...
She looked around at her squad members. Azumi and Hatori still chatting in the courtyard. Knoxx now stood, rubbing his stomach, yet his grin was back.
But maybe I'll learn.
Another voice cut through her thoughts.
Geo approached, eyes bloodshot, shoulders slumped.
"Sorry, guys. I'm dragging today," he muttered.
Azumi raised a brow. "What the hell happened to you?"
Geo yawned so hard his jaw cracked. "Got maybe an hour of sleep. Maybe."
He rubbed his eyes, feet dragging across the courtyard — the picture of exhaustion.
A perfect start to Tsuki's first mission.
Knoxx bounced over like nothing was wrong. "Morning, Geo! Down for a—"
"No," Geo said instantly. "Absolutely not. Ask Hatori. Or Azumi. They'll kick your ass for me."
Knoxx pouted dramatically.
Tsuki couldn't help but notice the contrast—Knoxx's endless energy against Geo's fatigue.
Annoying or not, Knoxx brought a strange, necessary life to the team.
Geo scanned the environment. "Somehow, it appears I still arrived before Danzo."
"Where is he with our briefing?" Knoxx grumbled. "I'm itching to punch some APC scum. Been too long."
"You had one break day," Azumi pointed out.
"Exactly. Way too long." Knoxx complained.
Geo just shook his head. "Psycho."
"Shut it."
Before their banter could escalate, Hatori's voice cut through, calm but sharp. "Quiet down. Or I'll end you both."
Geo's face paled. "I'm good."
"No complaints here," Knoxx muttered quickly.
"Thought so," Hatori said, returning to his silent stance.
Just then, Danzo strolled into the circle with a grin. His blonde hair was split into a side part, and his cloak freshly ironed. "Morning, henchmen!"
"We're not your henchmen," Knoxx shot back, though there was no real heat in his voice.
"Somebody's feisty today," Danzo said, smirking. "Relax—it's a joke."
Knoxx snorted but let it go, a smile tugging at his mouth.
"Alright, briefing time," Danzo continued, clapping his hands together. "Today's mission is simple: intercept a cargo carriage guarded by APC officers," Danzo continued, pacing a little as he spoke. "Nothing too crazy for your first run. We're stopping it before it reaches Alden Central. Our intel says it's a shipment of meats and assorted supplies. If the carriage stays intact, we bring fresh rations back to HQ."
Azumi let out a small sigh of relief. "Doesn't sound bad."
"Actually sounds perfect," Geo said, nodding.
Knoxx cracked his knuckles with a grin. "Any Stalkers nearby? I'm ready to get rowdy."
Danzo's grin faded as he narrowed his eyes. "Is fighting all you think about?"
Knoxx just shrugged. "Nothing beats a good brawl."
The others all turned to stare at him.
"What?" Knoxx asked, completely unbothered.
Tsuki shook her head with a small laugh. "Nothing…"
Danzo pulled out a folded map from his belt pouch and spread it on a nearby crate. "Coordinates are northeast — Sector Four of Persetta. You can set up however you want. Trees, terrain, even the open road — just get the job done."
Knoxx tapped a finger on the map. "Standing in the open? That's the Tona way."
"Yeah," Geo said with a smirk, "no kidding."
Hatori finally pushed off the tree he had been leaning against and rolled his shoulders. "Enough talk," he said, his calm voice carrying weight. "Let's move."
Tsuki felt her pulse quicken as the squad dispersed to gather their gear. The morning sunlight was fully breaking over Persetta now, painting the camp gold. This wasn't just training or talk anymore — this was her first real mission with Memento. She caught Azumi's eye and grinned.
"Ready?" Azumi asked, slinging her pack over her shoulder.
Tsuki nodded firmly. "Ready."
They ventured deeper into Persetta's sprawling forests, the sounds of the camp fading behind them until all that remained was the world of trees and shadow. Morning sunlight lanced through the canopy, scattering in warm patches across the mossy ground. The air smelled fresh and alive — rich soil, damp bark, and the faint sweetness of wild berries.
As they pushed farther along the overgrown trail, nature slowly reclaimed the road. Vines dangled overhead, and tangled roots jutted from the ground, forcing them to step carefully. Birdsong echoed from branch to branch, mingling with the distant rustle of unseen creatures in the underbrush.
By the time they reached the designated sector, the forest had opened into a small clearing beside the trade road. The group spread out, finding places to rest and scout from cover. The road was quiet, only the sound of wind whispering through leaves. No sign of the APC carriage yet.
Knoxx kicked at a loose stone and groaned. "Hope these guys show up soon. I'm bored."
Geo shot him an annoyed look. "Eat something. It'll shut you up."
Knoxx glared but said nothing, leaning back against a tree and crossing his arms.
A few paces away, Tsuki crouched in the shade of a cedar tree next to Azumi. The soft forest light played across Azumi's features, catching the shine of her blonde hair.
"Hey, Azumi…" Tsuki hesitated for a moment, then spoke more softly. "I've been curious. How did you join Memento?"
Azumi blinked, then smiled as she brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Hah. Guess we got some time. It's not too interesting of a story."
Tsuki gave a soft smile, rubbing her arm while she spoke. "It doesn't really matter if it's interesting. I mean, we're..." She paused for a moment. The words weren't gathering in her mind. Or maybe they were, but held back by her spiked nerves.
"We're family, after all. Right?'
Azumi was caught off guard for a quick moment, but she quickly settled in. A warm smile crossed her face.
"I grew up in Zimala. Beautiful district—but filthy with APC loyalty. Rich people, snobby attitudes. If you had an ability and weren't registered with the APC? You were a threat. Easy to rat out."
She leaned back against the cedar trunk, eyes drifting upward as if replaying the memory in the leaves.
"I had a katana. Unique. I could summon it from anywhere, even thin air. Lightweight, fast. One day, walking home from school, I saw a kid getting beat up in the street—he couldn't afford the uniform. Rich brats made him bleed for that. I stepped in and I told them to back off. Summoned my blade, and they ran. But the boy didn't thank me. He just… ran away too. He was afraid of me."
A pause to catch her breath.
"I went home with my head down. When I opened the door, my mom was crying. I didn't know why.
Then… two APC officers stepped into the room.
They'd been told of my ability. The boy had reported me."
Azumi paused for a slight moment. Her hand shook, but she grabbed the hilt of her blade to stabilize it. Almost like the grip of the sword brought her calmness.
"I ran. They chased me, and I fought back. I feared for my life. My blade saved my life that day. Killed them both."
Tsuki sat in silence, unsure of what to do. She felt bad, but she hadn't handled a situation like this before. In the APC, their problems were only theirs. Venting to others showed weakness and could lead to betrayal. But here... It didn't feel like that. It didn't feel weak, in fact, the opposite.
Azumi continued, her eyes still in the trees.
"I never went back home. I was ten. I slipped through the gate from Zimala into Persetta. Lived on the streets for years. Then… Maro found me. I was maybe fourteen, hiding in a ruined house. He offered food, shelter, and a chance. I decided I wanted to join Memento. To be that person for others. To be the savior, instead of the saved."
Azumi looked back at Tsuki. She saw a glimpse of sadness in Azumi's eyes.
"I wanted to fight—not just for me, but for everyone like me. I took the leap. The trial. When those wings lifted me... I felt free."
Azumi smiled softly, her voice gentler now. "Sorry. I tend to ramble."
"Don't be sorry," Tsuki said, her tone sincere. "That was… powerful. Thank you."
Azumi's smile warmed again. "You'll get used to me."
Tsuki laughed under her breath, the sound quiet but genuine. For a brief moment, the world felt calm — just two friends talking beneath the canopy.
But the moment didn't last.
"Hate to interrupt the girl talk," Hatori said, his voice low but firm from his perch, "but we've got company. Carriage's two minutes out."
The lightness vanished from the clearing as the squad immediately snapped to attention.
"Positions, everyone!" Geo barked, already moving toward cover.
The forest stirred with sudden purpose. Knoxx vaulted over a fallen log and crouched behind a thick root system, fists flexing with anticipation. Azumi melted into the shadows of a tree trunk, katana at the ready. Hatori stayed where he was, balanced on a branch like a coiled spring, while Geo scanned the road with sharp eyes.
Tsuki took her place on a sturdy branch above the road. She crouched low, her fingers curling as shadows pooled around her hands, answering her call like faithful companions. Her breathing slowed, steady and calm.
The forest went still again. Even the birds quieted, as though the wild itself knew what was coming. Below them, a large wagon was strapped tight with boxes as cargo. The wheels squeaked with every turn, but the carriage rolled steadily down the path. A handful of APC guards walked alongside the cart. Two remained seated within; one holding the horses steady with reigns.
Hatori held up his hand, then began the countdown with silent precision.
Three. Two. One.
The squad struck. They dropped from their hiding spots like thunderbolts, the air erupting with movement. Leaves scattered, shadows leapt, and the road was suddenly alive with rebels.
"What the hell?!" one of the APC guards shouted, scrambling for his weapon. "Back off! This cargo's not yours!"
Tsuki landed lightly on the packed dirt, shadows coiling around her like smoke. "Sorry, boys," she said, her voice steady and cool. "We're taking it."
Another guard stepped forward, brandishing his spear. "Try us!"
Geo cracked his knuckles, a grin flashing across his face. "Gladly."
"Don't tempt us," Hatori said from behind them, his tone calm but carrying the weight of a threat.
The first wave of guards charged—three men in standard APC uniform. Knoxx dashed forward, landing a clean elbow to one's chin, dropping him instantly. Azumi sliced through another's leg with her katana, and Hatori simply dodged the third with minimal effort before tapping his shoulder and slowing him mid-swing. A simple kick to the ribs finished him.
But two figures remained where they stood, unmoving as the other guards scrambled.
Azumi lowered her katana, narrowing her eyes. "You two just gonna stand there?"
The taller one smirked, calm and deliberate. "I'm Yokke," he said, rolling his shoulders as vines coiled lazily around his arms like living snakes. "This is Durula, and you'll find us… a bit tougher."
"Heheheh," the second one chuckled — a brutish man with a scarred face and vacant eyes. "That's right, boss."
Durula's grin widened as he hefted a spiked club bigger than Tsuki's torso. Without warning, he let out a guttural roar and lunged at Geo. The ground seemed to quake under his charge.
"Geo, move!" Azumi shouted.
Geo dove to the side, but the club swung wide on the follow-through. The spikes clipped his shoulder and sent him crashing into a tree trunk with a sickening thud. He grunted in pain, clutching his arm.
Knoxx growled and charged, but Yokke was already moving. He blurred forward, unnervingly fast, and lashed out with a whip-like strike from a twisting branch that coiled from his arm. The blow caught Knoxx across the ribs before Yokke followed up with a brutal punch to the stomach.
Knoxx staggered back, wheezing. "What the—?!"
Tsuki's eyes flashed. With a sharp motion, shadows erupted around her like a swarm of living blades, lashing out at Yokke.
But he was ready. Yokke spun like a dancer, his bark-armored forearms slicing through the tendrils as if they were mist. The shadows dissolved, leaving Tsuki momentarily exposed.
"Tsuki, keep him moving!" Azumi called, sprinting into position.
Before she could press the advantage, Durula barreled toward her, swinging his club in a wild, overhand arc. Azumi managed to parry with her blade, but the sheer force of the impact sent her flying backward into the brush.
Hatori's calm voice cut through the chaos. "Enough."
He lunged toward Yokke, his eyes glowing faintly as he slammed his foot into the ground. A silver-blue ripple pulsed outward from him—the Resonant Flow. The air itself seemed to thicken, and Yokke's movements slowed, his agile strikes suddenly sluggish.
"Your vines can't help you if you move in slow motion," Hatori said, his tone calm but laced with menace.
He drove an uppercut into Yokke's jaw with bone-rattling force, sending the vine-wielder reeling.
Tsuki seized the opening. Shadows surged beneath her feet, propelling her into the air. She twisted in midair and came crashing down, heel-first, in a devastating axe kick.
Yokke's head snapped back as he crashed into the dirt, groaning, his vines thrashing weakly before falling still.
Durula still raged, roaring like a cornered beast as he swung his spiked club in wide, deadly arcs. Each strike sent dirt flying, the sound of iron tearing through the air echoing through the clearing.
Geo gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand. Blood ran down his arm, but his eyes blazed with focus. He slammed his palm against the ground, channeling his Solena deep into the earth. With a sharp crack, jagged spikes of stone erupted from the soil and shot toward Durula's legs.
The brute stumbled, roaring in frustration as the spikes pinned him off-balance.
Knoxx took the opening. "Miagi!" He shouted, sprinting forward in a blur, blades flashing. The impact left a thin crimson line across Durula's side. "Let's see you shrug that off," he taunted, skidding to a stop.
Durula swung wildly at him, but Azumi was already there—a darting shadow behind him. She struck once, twice, her movements sharp and precise, before finally driving her blade forward with a cry of effort.
"Douchebag," she spat as the steel sank deep.
Durula's roar died in his throat. His club dropped from his fingers as he toppled to the ground with a thunderous crash.
The forest went quiet. Not even the birds dared to sing.
Geo let out a long breath and grinned. "Nice work fellas. Ladies."
Hatori scanned the clearing, his sharp gaze falling on the carriage—still standing, untouched. "Cargo's intact," he said simply. "Mission success."
Tsuki stood there for a moment, panting, her arms trembling from adrenaline. Bruises were already blooming on her skin, but a smile tugged at her lips. She looked around at them — these fighters, this strange, chaotic family. They bled and risked everything, but they laughed like siblings.
Geo strode over and slung an arm around her shoulders. "Good job, newbie."
She smiled back, catching her breath. "Same to you."
"I'm no newbie," Geo said with mock offense.
Knoxx snorted as he wiped blood from his blade. "Shame it's over already. Might challenge Tona again when we get back."
Azumi just shook her head at the comment. Her katana disappeared into thin air as she strode towards the cart.
"How many losses is that now?" Hatori asked, raising a brow.
"Doesn't matter," Knoxx said with a grin. "I'm closing the gap. He actually had to block last time."
"Sure," Geo said, smirking. "He said he wouldn't move."
Their laughter carried through the trees as they boarded the carriage, steering it back toward base with their spoils secured.
By the time they rolled into camp, the sun was just beginning to dip toward the horizon. The central fire pit crackled in the square, smoke curling lazily into the sky.
Danzo stood waiting at the edge of the fire pit as they returned, the orange glow of the flames reflecting off his crossed arms. The camp buzzed with the quiet hum of evening activity — mess tins clattering, the occasional laugh from another squad — but Judgement Squad's arrival drew a few curious glances.
"Welcome back, Judgment Squad," Danzo called, his grin tugging into place. "Clean job?"
"As clean as it gets," Azumi said, tossing her hair back with an easy smile.
"They didn't stand a chance," Geo added, dropping from the carriage and dusting himself off.
Tsuki stepped forward, still feeling the rush of victory humming in her veins. "The cargo's intact. Supplies are on the way."
Danzo's grin widened, pride flashing in his eyes. "I'm impressed. Especially with you, Tsuki. First mission's no small step."
Before Tsuki could respond, the command tent's flap opened and Maro emerged. His presence immediately quieted the camp — conversations softened, footsteps slowed.
"So I've heard," Maro said, his calm, commanding voice carrying easily over the crackle of the fire. His sharp gaze found Tsuki. "You're settling in well."
Tsuki straightened instinctively. "Yes, sir. Thank you."
Maro nodded once, then let the faintest hint of a smile touch his face. "Good. Then it's official — Judgment Squad is back at full strength."
He turned as though to leave, then paused, his back to them. The flames behind him cast his shadow long across the ground.
"Two days from now," he said, "your first real test begins."
Tsuki blinked, her heartbeat quickening. "Real test?" she asked.
Maro's smile deepened just slightly, though there was something hard in his eyes now. "Memento's taking action. We will make a move on Zimala. If we are to tear down this tyrannical government and truly win back our freedom, we'll need more than strength—we'll need the people of Alden to believe. Zimala is our key to making the dominoes fall."
The fire crackled sharply, sending sparks spiraling into the night air. Tsuki felt its warmth on her face as her stomach tightened.
Danzo's arms uncrossed, his expression fierce. "Agreed," he said, stepping forward. "It's time Memento takes the fight to the APC. No more defensive actions. No more waiting for them to come to us. It's go-time."
The words hung in the air like a battle drum, and Tsuki found herself standing taller without realizing it. The laughter from earlier was gone; in its place was resolve. For the first time, she felt the true weight of what being a member of Memento meant.
That night, sleep didn't come easily.
Tsuki lay staring at the fabric ceiling of her tent, arms crossed behind her head, the faint rustling of camp settling into silence around her.
Only two days left…
The Zimala raid's coming fast. I've got to be sharp. No slip-ups.
A faint smile tugged at her lips at the thought of joining her squad on the mission—but it vanished just as quickly.
"Dammit," she whispered. "I can't sleep."
She sat up with a quiet sigh and pushed herself off the cot. Pulling her coat around her shoulders, she stepped out into the crisp night. The moon blanketed the Memento camp in silver, casting long shadows across tents and roads. Above her, the sky was painted in gradients of indigo and violet, dotted with stars that struggled to compete with the moon's brilliance.
She wandered behind the main rows of tents, walking a quiet path flanked by canvas walls and flickering lanterns. Occasionally, a Memento soldier passed by—some offered her a wary glance, others gave a faint nod, but most simply looked past her. Not everyone had warmed up to the former APC officer.
As she turned down a quieter stretch of the path, a trio stepped into her way.
The leader was a short but fierce-looking young woman with light pink pigtails and a war hammer nearly twice her size slung across her back. Her eyes—sharp, brown, unblinking—locked onto Tsuki. To her side stood two men: one with slicked-back dark hair in standard Memento garb, the other with a scowl deep enough to carve stone.
Tsuki stopped calmly. "Can I help you?"
The girl tilted her head. "No. But we can help you. Bit of advice, actually—go home. We don't need any APC filth here."
Tsuki held her ground. "I'm not with them anymore. They cut me off the moment I disobeyed. I haven't looked back since."
"And we're just supposed to believe that?" The girl snapped. "After everything the APC's done? After they handed out suffering like rations to everyone outside their golden circles? You had a choice."
Her voice carried that bite of righteous anger. Tsuki recognized it.
"I know what they've done. And I'm not asking for forgiveness—I just want to fight on the right side."
The girl folded her arms. "Don't bother. We don't need you. We—"
"Oi, Rin!"
A familiar voice called from behind the tents.
Rin blinked and turned.
Tona strolled up casually, hands in his coat pockets, his signature lazy grin etched across his face. The moonlight caught in his dark hair, and his violet eyes shimmered faintly with celestial glow. Hatori followed just behind him, eyes half-lidded but watchful. His dark cloak was a sharp contrast to his friend beside him.
"Hop off her, would you?" Tona said. "I think Tsuki's earned a little trust by now."
Rin's mouth opened, then shut. "Tona...? Why are you defending her? She was with the APC."
Hatori stepped in before Tona could speak. "People can't change?"
Rin faltered. "That's not what I meant—"
"Then what did you mean?" Hatori's voice was calm, but unflinching. "You've seen what she's done since arriving. We all have."
Tona nodded. "She's one of us, Rin. Family now. The sooner you realize that, the better."
Rin stood there, jaw clenched and fists tight. But after a moment, she turned sharply and walked off without another word. Her two lackeys shot one last glare before trailing after her.
Tona exhaled and gave Tsuki an apologetic smile. "Sorry about her. Rin's not a bad person. She's had bad experiences with the APC. Same as us."
"It's alright," Tsuki said. "I get it. Really. Good to see you, by the way. Both of you."
Maybe she wasn't trusted yet, but being called family hit her harder than she expected. The heavy sense of belonging—the urge to be needed—was slowly coming to reality.
Hatori gave a nod, eyes briefly closed in acknowledgement.
Tona tilted his head. "So what's got you out wandering this late?"
Tsuki glanced up at the sky. "Couldn't sleep. Everything's just… hitting all at once. The mission. Switching sides. The way people look at me."
Tona ran a hand through his hair, staring up beside her. "Yeah… change like that doesn't come easy. Switching sides in a war, questioning everything you were taught—it's a lot. But keeping it bottled up never helps."
He gave Hatori a nudge. "Take this guy. Classic case of emotional constipation."
Hatori smacked him on the arm. "Jackass."
Tsuki let out a small laugh. The two bickered like brothers, and something about that made her chest feel lighter.
Before long, the three of them were seated on a fallen log along the quiet trail, lanterns behind them now distant specks. The night air was still, saved for the occasional croak of frogs and the whisper of wind through trees.
Then Hatori broke the silence.
"Hey, Tsuki. Can I ask you something?"
She glanced at him. "Sure."
"What was it like? Being with the APC, I mean. From your perspective."
Her breath caught slightly at the question. For a moment, silence. Then: "Honestly… I don't remember much from before the Academy. Most Stalkers don't. The training facility—it's the first memory for a lot of us. We were taught obedience from day one. Loyalty over logic. We were told we were the sword of peace and that the APC kept Alden stable."
She lowered her eyes. "But that peace didn't include people like you. Or kids. Or anyone who didn't fit their version of 'order.'"
Tona looked at her. "You said you don't remember anything from before joining?"
She shook her head. "Not even my parents' faces."
Hatori leaned back on his hands, thoughtful. "That's… disturbing."
Tsuki hated talking about herself. She was taught not to after all. She quickly took the first exit that presented itself and turned to the others. "But what about you guys? Why did you join Memento?"
Tona's smile faded just slightly. He looked off down the dusty paved road.
Hatori was the one to speak. "I was born in Riche. No parents. Grew up in an orphanage. It wasn't a bad place, really. The headmistress was kind. But even then, I always felt… out of place. Like something inside me didn't belong."
He rubbed his forearm. A nervous tick, Tsuki noticed.
"I found out I had an ability when I was a teenager. Kept it quiet. But rumors spread fast in Riche. Stalkers can detect solena, even if you never use your gift. I knew it was just a matter of time before they came knocking."
Tsuki listened silently.
"I told the headmistress I was leaving. She was heartbroken… but she understood. I left to protect them. Wandered district after district, hiding who I was, barely surviving. But then I heard whispers about a rebel group in Persetta."
He smiled faintly. "I made that my goal. I collapsed just outside the district."
"And luckily," Tona chimed in, "I found this guy before he became roadkill."
Hatori snorted. "Luck, huh? Getting saved by the grea—" He cut himself off, the words nearly slipping.
Tona clapped him on the back, drawing attention back to himself. "Anyway. It's late, and you've both got an early day."
Tsuki noticed the distraction but didn't acknowledge it. Instead, she nodded. "Yeah. Zimala wall prep starts at sunrise."
Tona stood, brushing dirt from his coat. "Don't know if I'll be there or not. But either way—I'll be watching. Good luck. Both of you."
He turned and walked off, offering a lazy wave over his shoulder, that trademark smirk still lingering.
Tsuki watched him disappear into the night.
"He's… something else."
Hatori smiled. His shoulders were relaxed, and his voice was softer than usual. "Yeah. When I joined, he was the first one who made me feel like I belonged. Introduced me to everyone. Helped me get out of my shell. Been my best friend practically since we met."
He looked up at the stars.
"I never thought I'd end up here, y'know. Me—quiet, awkward, scared of my own shadow. But somehow… here I am. Fighting for something real. Because of him and Memento."
Tsuki said nothing. Just smiled.
Hatori continued. "And y'know, Tsuki. Even if he acts all cool and calm..."
Tsuki watched Hatori's face mold into a rare smile. A normally reserved man let the moment hang.
"He cares about you. I think he sees part of himself in your reflection."
The words clung to the air as Tsuki readied a response, however, Hatori didn't give her the chance.
"Like a little sister," he chuckled.
The slight smile turned into a grin. His blonde hair swayed in the nighttime wind.
"Sees himself in me? Not a chance," Tsuki said.
Hatori didn't flinch. "Dead serious, newbie."
A genuine feeling of uncertainty and shock rushed through her.
"But why? How?"
Hatori chuckled a bit before straightening his body. He extended himself off of the log and turned to say one final thing.
"Not sure. Guess you'll have to ask him yourself."
He turned to head back toward his tent, but stopped again. "Or figure it out. Either way, it's on your plate."
He continued on, waving at Tsuki as he disappeared into the dark. She was left alone with her thoughts and the quiet, expansive peace of the night.
I was taught family was something you were born into. Something that just happens. Her chin rose and she watched the stars twinkle faintly above the moon's quiet reign.
But seeing this... Having my squadmates open up to me. The honesty, the care...
I think I was taught bullshit.