We Will Meet Again

CENTRAL ARCHIVE - TOKYO 2019 - 

After her discussion with Yang. Setsura realized it would be better for her to investigate everything properly. So, Setsura's gaze fell on the rows and rows of books. She came here to the Central archives. But, she covered her face with a mask and wore a hat. 'It's far too dangerous to come here.' Setsura understood that better than anybody. Coming to the central archives - a place where her old coworkers could easily find her. She took a deep breath, she had some books at home that would be useful. However the risk is higher there. She ought to deal with this as quickly as she can. 

Her thoughts broke off when she spotted a man leaning against the wall. A deep sigh crossed her lips. So now he is showing up?

Setsura walked over to the other book shelf opposite him and leaned against it. "What is it?"

Oslo chuckled. "I came here to kill somebody. My superiors said I don't have the guts to do something like that. Isn't that cruel of them?"

She looked at him with a bewildered expression, is he serious? What he just said sounds like something a child would say. "Killing a person is not a matter of guts! This is someone's life were talking about."

'What a hypocrite.' Setsura thought. How many times has she killed a person? Ever since she became a member of the police force, a detective - how many times did she kill? 

"You are right about that."

he suddenly drew something out of his cloak. It was a small hand gun. "Gun's have existed for a long time. But it wasn't until recently where it became difficult to obtain."

"This society prohibits regular people from using it."

"Correct, and yet there are more people illegally distributing it. Otherwise why would I have one?"

"You are not the only one who owns one?"

Oslo put the gun down, and reached out and began fiddling with another device from his cloak. 'How many things is he hiding in those pockets of his?'

The size was smaller than the usual ones. But it was a mini holographic projector. Several images appeared - or rather clips on the screen. The clips horrified her.

"War."

"That's war?" Setsura mumbled. 

Setsura was familiar with it, massive armed conflict occured between nations. They used weapons and fought with one another. 

But the last time anything like that happened was centuries ago. These days the government and even the underground government prevent such things from occurring. Moreover, with the current society. The current system will not allow such a thing. However even the system has it's flaws.

Setsura recognized the places.

"This is the work of a certain woman. She was a former guardian. She used her powers to create bio weapons and sold it across the world. No through time. As a result there is armed conflict everywhere."

Is that why all those strange events have been happening as of late?

"But why? Why do something like this? Everyone knows that nothing good comes out of war! How could anyone even think of doing such a thing?" Setsura exclaimed.

Moreover she didn't target one time frame but several. Why would anyone try to sow conflict across time? She has never heard of something so ridiculous before  

"She is trying to recreate the disaster of that time period."

"That time frame?" Setsura repeated puzzled.

"During that time period everything went into lock down mode. The streets, every corner of the city was locked down and everyone was either put to sleep or hid in an underground shelter. But even then it was dangerous, if any hint of light from the upper ground hit the shelter.

The individuals who hid there would get affected. A time period of ultimate despair and every one who could fight was mobilised. Yet even the strongest people fell and there were many deaths. Each leader present began to show signs of their levels dropping. Whether it was the influence of the dark energy even now we still don't know. But during that time period there was no place that was safe at all'

For a moment she thought she had misheard something. However when she thought about it carefully, she heard something about the curse being delivered under unusual circ.u.mstances. A time period of despair… 

Oslo suddenly reached over and she flinched for a split second yet he began to pat her head, it was the most kindest action he had done towards her in such a long time. Was it because of the expression on her face? Was it due to the fact that she was shivering due to fear?  

"That woman wishes to recreate that disaster. The root cause of this needs to stop, otherwise war will never stop." Oslo trailed off. "I am gathering skillful people to help put an end to that persons plans."

Skillful people? "Is that why you need me?

"Yes." Oslo nodded.

"To stop a war?"

Oslo nodded, his hand was still gently patting her hair despite his seriousness in his tone. "Nothing should have gone wrong. Our job as guardians should have proceeded smoothly. Those lost kids wishes - those people, would have accomplished their mission and return to their time frame. But ever since that woman interfered, everything has changed. The darkness in each era grows disturbing as the day passes by."

This was way too much information. But, did she not come here with the intention to learn? It seems like Oslo is talkative today, so she ought to take advantage of this situation. But she felt her vision gradually getting blurrier and blurrier.

...

When she was younger she had some naive thoughts about the world. She thought this world would be purer and simpler. People used one another, people got hurt and felt many conflicting emotions. However it wasn't like that at all. She thought all she had to do was remain strong, and even if somebody defeats her she simply has to stand up again.

But those thoughts were the thoughts of a naive child. Reality is crueler, chaotic and without any certainties. It's irrational, illogical and meaningless. Even so, next time she will -- 

'Die.'

'That's the only way you can atone for your sins.'

Setsura woke up and found herself laying down on Oslo's lap. She wanted to get up but found she could not do so. Her entire body ached all over. It seems like she shouldnt have done it with Yang when she was injured. But then again, how could she possibly say anything against that overbearing man? 

Oslo chuckled.

"Do you hate being close to me this much?"

"I don't have an opinion. Right now I can't move so it's better to stay like this." Setsura didn't dislike this man. But indeed she is no good with men. Ever since she arrived in the Meiji era, that has slowly changed. But there are still times where she would flinch when they make unwanted contact.

Oslo sweat fell. "You truly are an unusual woman. But I think I understand why that person chose you."

At that comment Setsura frowned. Now that Oslo is here, she wants to ask him about that person. "Are Akito and Shinji the same person?"