We Will Meet Again

Ah, that's most likely the reason why. Because people become irrational. During this hectic time where Japan is in the middle of change, for people to get too deeply involved with their emotions is dangerous. But even then, "I'm surprised you read things like this, don't you work for the government?"

Normally Setsura evaded speaking about his work. That's because she didn't want to come across as suspicious. However, once in a while she would drop him questions like this. Akito didn't seem surprised by her question and walked over to the bookshelf.

"Akito, as a member of the government, haven't you killed thousands of people before?"

This was yet another topic that she avoided talking about with Akito. With her current state, bringing up uncomfortable matters would only strain their relationship. Setsura still doesn't understand why Akito is keeping her alive in the first place. After all, even now Setsura could still recall that brutal man from the first day...

A government official is supposed to protect the people, at least that's what they say on the surface. Everybody knows it's just a pretext; most government officials turn a blind eye to cases. Like whatever happens on the streets. That mindset has not changed in the future, let alone now.

Setsura didn't understand why she was bothering to ask this question. Doesn't she already know his answer? Besides, if it is this man, he will not tell her the truth, at least not all of it, anyway. What difference would it make even if she heard it out loud? The man in front of her would still be a member of the Government. He would still be another person who would kill under the orders of another person.

People like that made her sick; they hold people's lives in their hands. Rather than try to save them, they hurt them. Somebody with the power to save others, and yet they chose to hurt them. Setsura does not understand that logic at all.

It would have been easier to stay silent, to stay ignorant like the rest of the docile individuals in this country.

Setsura quickly shook the thought away. She was already overthinking like Akito.

A thick silence enveloped the room as the smile faded from his face. Setsura already understood, he probably thinks it would be better to lie to her, to win her favor. Usually, during these occasions, people would lie, would they not? However, this person has never lied to her. Sure he's held things back, but he's never lied.

"Yes. I did not slaughter humans, as far as I was concerned, I was slaughtering animals. I enjoyed ending the lives of such beings. Better they die in my hands, than a slow, agonizing one at the hands of a corrupt system."

"..."

Setsura said nothing to that, how could she judge somebody living in this era? The values she has and what he has is different. What she thinks is morally right, he may think it's wrong, and the same goes vice versa.

"Can I ask you a few questions Akito?

"About my time in Squad 1?"

Setsura nodded, "I cannot hide my curiosity."

"As honest as ever, eh? Yet you said that with such a poker face look on your face," Akito trails off, " Indeed it's a topic people would be curious about. My time in Squad 1 was one of the longest, I was there and serving that person long before anybody else. Although I'm four years older than her, I always felt as though she was more of a close companion. The guardians of order when I first started had a 14-year-old head as the number one knight. The fourteen-year-old Stella was gorgeous, kind, and strong. Everyone looked up to her, and when the princess reached the age of 10, they were quite close companions. Stella as number one, Nao as number two, Haki as number three, Bart at 4 and myself at 5 ....." he pauses, "However those peaceful days came to an end, when the princess reached the age of 10- the Queen was slaughtered by bandits and the one who died to protect her was Stella."

He only mentioned five names... As far as Setsura could recall, the guardians of order had twelve people.

The guardians of order in each group have 12...

"By the time Stella died, we had already lost three people, including her. One missing."

Maybe it was because of that. The reason why Setsura is inquiring about is due to the nightmares she's been having as of lately. At first, Setsura dismissed it as nightmares, but the more time that passed by, the more she understood. Her nightmares were about the time Akito was a child; they seemed to overlap with her memories.

While Setsura does remember quite a bit already, whenever she focused on it, it would blur again. There are still some parts of her memory that is missing.

Akito made his way to the window. "Look up at the skies Setsura, what do you see?"

She blinked in confusion and yet made her way over, "There are stars..."

"How many?"

".7.. oh... "

A small weak smile appeared on Akito's face and yet before she could get a word in edgewise. She feels him press his body against her from the back, " ... What are you doing?"

"I'm feeling quite of now. Won't you comfort me?"

Is he an idiot? Is he doing it on purpose? Maybe if she gets a look at his expression... Setsura proceeded to peek over her shoulder only to have his hold on her tighten. She glanced down and saw his hands were shivering. Oh.

"Just this. Nothing else."

"Hehe of course."

He really is an odd person.

But even twisted and cold-hearted people like this guy, deserve comfort when they are upset. ' Don't those people look lonely? I want to help them.' Her gaze landed back on to the skies, as she recalled the words the brunette hair girl had told her. Lonely huh?

…..

Mansion U - Tokyo Meiji Era

"Then it's hopeless?" "It is never hopeless. But sometimes I cannot hope. I always try to hope, but sometimes I cannot. But I have infinite tenderness for you. I always will. All my life long."

"Another dance?" the officer asked.

Setsura shook her head, her skin crawling at the thought of spending any more time in close contact with the man. "No, thank you," Setsura said as politely as she could. Her house arrest is over now, and she could freely walk around. Why would she waste time here?

The officers face turned ugly for a moment before it changed back to a fake smile. "How about we get some tea, then? You do know how to serve tea, don't you?" He was smiling, but she sensed something else.

"I am well aware," Setsura said, sharply. She wanted to be polite, but that last line made it sound like he was mocking her. Why does she have to show somebody who treats her with disrespect? "However, I believe another person may be more suited for you. There are plenty of other ladies aside from me tonight."

"What did you just say?"

Setsura sighed. "I have no further wish to spend time with you. Good day." She turned on her heels, towards the exit. Where did Akito go? She'd just had to spend nearly an hour with the overbearing officer.

With every word spoken. Setsura wanted nothing more than to leave. Whether he did it deliberately or not, he kept throwing insults at her. There was a limit to her tolerance.

"You little–"

Setsura flinched back as the officer gripped her arm and spun her around. She tried to pull her arm away, but the man's grip tightened. A maniac look on his face. 'Ah, this has happened in the future too, hasn't it?' Setsura thought.

"Let me go," Setsura demanded, raising her voice.

But this only lead to irritating the man, "How dare you, you have no right to tell me what to do. Don't you know I am a police officer?" the man hissed as he increased his grip on her hands.

Before he could do anything else though, Setsura felt a familiar presence. Sure enough they were interupted, "Let her go," a cold voice suddenly said.

Setsura looked up and saw Akito. A relieved sigh escaped her lips.

The officer moved away from her. "Captain Akito."

"You're giving us officers a bad name. Abusing your authority like you do," Akito stated his tone cold, which matched the hazard gaze in his eyes. "Leave." If looks could kill, this person would surley be dead by now.

The man didn't even dare argue; he fleed as soon as Akito walked over to her.

Setsura bowed. "Thank you, Akito."

Her past few days in the house, she heard stories from the brother that he was a manipulative person. But considering how strangely kind the brother is, Setsura wondered if that was true. The more she got to know him, the more, she got a different type of impression. Then again, when she recalled their conversation from earlier, she would shiver. This man is too used to killing people.

"Setsura ?" He looked at her with his usual foolish grin. "Walk with me."

Setsura was already walking by his side. She looked up at the man as they walked out onto the veranda. Akito had a commanding presence about him, nothing like the gentle strength she was used to.