Hiroari Shoots a Strange Bird ~ Till When?

OOC: Enter Shizuka.

IC:

Definitely, it was a shrine. There, the disguised Kunoichi with undecided hair between grey and white would be. It was a small Inari shrine and she was not dressed in her Miko Shozuko -priestess uniform- meaning that she herself was a guest and this was not the imperial shrine. Dressed mainly in blue and black, her golden marbles darted to see what lied beyond the stone stairs. First to hail her eyes was the purification font, pressing forward through the Sandō -the approach to the shrine- greeted at her sides by the Tōrō -decorative stone lantern- looking to her left she would see the Kagura-den -building dedicated for both dances, Noh and sacred Kagura- that she is so familiar with. After all, she is a Kagura miko.

To her right, the shrine's administrative office lied but she pressed forward for she had no business with the office to find herself in front of the hall of worship -Haiden- and this time at her right and left the lions guarded. There, she left an offering only for a prayer to succeed eventually turning backwards not to leave the shrine instead buying an Ema that wooden plaques to write a wish then leave it where it belongs.

After finishing this set of rituals, she brought out her cellphone to check the time. It was 4 PM, the time was hers all the day as a leisure. Returning back her cellphone with her free hand since the other was holding her parasol.

Beginning from now. The question to be asked is what to do next?

1-Go to the Pontocho and get herself a launch.
2- Go to the Nishiki Market and buy fresh ingredients to cook them back at home later.
3-Return to the imperial palace, maybe someone there is waiting.
4-Or...

OOC:
Anyone is welcome to join or to NPC future situation like *Example* letting Shizuka ponder about what was her wish or pick one of her choices to move on to the next scene. Choice three is viable only to the empress if she wishes, choice four is left open to NPCer's imagination. No violence, please. This thread's whole purpose s for relaxation.

How a shrine will look..

Spoiler:

Royal duties really gnawed away time like it was nothing. Just the everyday routine involving politic questions, discussions and reports of all kinds already forwarded time to the afternoon in the blink of an eye. But that, she had already freed of all distacions and charges. For Empress Kagura had planned something very important for herself and herself alone. And of course, the invited special guest. Even though this guest didn't know yet that she was invited. To countermeasure this problem, Yuu had sent a man-servant to go out and find her apparent sister -which wouldn't be too hard in the heart of Aerugo, the land of perfectionised spying,, intel-gathering and assassination- and order her to the Empress' private rooms in the palace.
Despite her being appointed to be Yuuko's second in command regarding Shisu-ken matters, she had not met ehr yet, not once ever. Matter of fact-ly, this promotion was not even an idea of the dancing actress, but more so a bid of her father and of course she could not turn him down, especially if she was another of his specially trained "projects".

Regardless, Yuuko was naturally curious about this sister of hers. Since she was not really aware of the fact that she even had one - which might be partially because she was rather isolated from everything herself in the last couple dozen years. She wanted to simply see who this relative of hers really was, the Empress and head of secret service in her wanted to see if Shizuka was the right person for the job.
In preparation of this certainly interesting meeting, Kagura Yuuko had retreated from duties to her personal wing of the palace, ordered for tea and beverages of alcoholic nature to be prepared, while she waited in a sort of lounge type room for her guest sister. They would rest comfortably in big, almsot sofa-like, cushioned chairs and get to know each other. This also was one of the few rare event where she personally met people who were not quite palace familiars like servants, ministers, generals and such. Then again, Shizuka had just become second in command of the secret service. Anyway. this would be a meeting the cunning EMpress would enjoy in many ways.

Shizuka found her way to the Shinto gate descending the stone stairs, her mind shallow in thoughts whether to pamper herself and eat in restaurant within the district of Pontocho or go traditional and buy her ingredients fresh like the usual to cook her lunch back at her room. Certainly, she was not lacking the money really, but the issue was simply that she trusted her cooking more than food served to her and a Kunoichi needs to be a cautious, who knows what lurks within the shadow?

However, once she reached the last step of the stone stairs with her perceptions aware of their surroundings easily spotting a man in a suit that she knew well for it was a suit of a courier and no mere courier he was. He delivered her the royal sealed message to leave her behind after bowing, her golden eyes read the content, soon her lips gave birth to a smile that showed two rows of well aligned white pearls. She looked back to the shrine facing it's gate bowing. Her wish came true rather fast. Upon riding her 'Hayabusa", putting her parasol in place and wearing her yellow helmet which covered her golden marbles glimmering with anticipation she turned on the key for ignition.

Empress Yuuko, 'Yuu' can be written in different Kanji and each one has it's own meaning for 'yuu' meant either of "tenderness; excel; superiority; gentleness" and "child" (ko). Other possibilities for 'yuu' include "abundant; rich; fertile" 'yuu'. Which of them are you, Oneesama? she thought after remembering the different variants of her name already knowing the answer, Shizuka expected her sister to be as such, excelling in every way, superior and dominating. Indeed, the younger sister knew from the core of her heart that she is going to enjoy every second of this meeting with her enigmatic mistress and older sister.

It didn't take much time for her to arrive at the palace. First thing to be done was to return her concealed weapons to the inventory. Later, she found her way to the personal wing of the palace where her 'Oneesama' waited in the lounge room without changing her outfit. She wanted to meet the one who shared blood the same blood with her in her normal attitude with no reservations knowing very well she will not be able to have such meeting in a regular basis thanks to her sister being the ultimate ruler of this land.

So, Empress Yuu would see her Imouto younger sister sitting over cushioned very relaxing chair Seiza kneeling with the tops of the feet flat on the cushion, and sitting on the soles which was quite strange sitting pose for a chair of such nature. Of course, Shizuka would sit after addressing her with the following cheerful words "It's nice to meet you, Yuu-tan~" followed with the same smile she showed earlier at the shrine. Shizuka was not formal, not formal at all. Actually, she meant it to be like that.

Her Golden marble eyes fixated on yellow-golden-esque color eyes but the empress from this eye contact wouldn't feel challenge at all but more of curiosity and intrigue as if her younger sister was the one to call her for the meeting not the way around. However, Shizuka there was as a guest, so no further words parted her lips waiting for the royal host to lead the conversation.

Unformal. How very unusual, ever since quite a while. Even the higher ranking offcials from most all branches showed a certain grade of restraint formalty with her. But wasn't this the point of this meeting, instead of encountering just another person who did what everyone did. So this was in fact a welcome change. "I, too, am very fond of the fact that you could make it in time on such short notice." Yuuko responded. While it sounded nice and certainly was to a degree, if it wasn't Shizuka but anyone else, this would have implied that they did well to make it in time and if they wouldn't have, it wouldn't be good for them. Mostly because the Empress did not quite enjoy pointless waiting.

"I figure we have a lot of things that we can catch up on, so i set aside the rest of today for this certainly special meeting." she continued, "But before that, is there anything the palace service could provide to make your stay more enjoyable?" Naturally, she did not specify what exactly this could be -as the servants could pretty much arrange anything on the Empress' wish- but, usually this offer was taken up with some kind of drink or the other by guests of hers. She knew it was a helpful trick to distract people from their stress by giving them something to "play with" to their hands, which in turn made conversations easier for them. AnNd that, lastly, was desirable in some situations and not in others. But this time it was. The meeting would be rather pointless if it were stunted by some kind of uneasyness.

Regardless of what her sister would say, she sat waiting, without any of the usual cover -fans or veils for example- and didn't exactly try to hide the pleasant anticipation that was with her. Leaning back, hands folded in her lap and legs kind of crossed elaborately, just like any high ettiquette guide dictated to prevent unwanted insight while looking polite and collected, an almost piercing glare extended over to and met Shizuka's eyes as they were doing the same to the slightly older woman.

Indeed, Shizuka would never arrive late or even think about of making the empress wait. Thanks to 'Hayabusa', her aerugese motorbike was indeed a two wheeled beast, it is one of the best motorbikes in the world and being a Kagura made it easy for the second daughter to acquire one due to their seemly infinite resources. Her informality helped her too to get there faster than anticipated and speaking of informality, Shizuka decided in addressing her older sister with the cute suffix to break the cold ice between them and furthermore encourage in warmly becoming more familiar.

"I figure we have a lot of things that we can catch up on, so i set aside the rest of today for this certainly special meeting." Her empress told her. Indeed, on Shizuka's end there were years to talk about, the same goes for her Oneesama. Still, for empress Yuuko to consider this as special meeting made Shizuka - the quite fragrance - quite happy.

"But before that, is there anything the palace service could provide to make your stay more enjoyable?" Yuuko-sama offered her younger sibling who didn't turn down the offer but fully and whole wholeheartedly accepting it and her older sister being Yasashii.

Arigatou, Nee-tan. I would like to have a Sakurayu, please. Shizuka would in turn respond. Of course, there was a hidden meaning behind choosing a Sakuraya. It was not a wedding of course but it was a beginning. A beginning for a relationship that was absent for almost twenty years. It was a bit awkward to have a sister, knowing that you have one and wasn't able to interact with her. And it happens that her older sister is the empress. The same one sitting in front of her calm and collected dazzling in her own elegance.

Nice horn, nee-tan. Shizuka smiled giving her sister a wink marking an entrance for the beginning of her nibbling and mischief.

As per usual with the servants silently and unnoticed waiting just off the scene, Yuuko did not have to repeat the order her sister had asked for, and as usual, they knew what to do, thus one left the sidelines as unnotable as he used to stand there before. In just a few moments, they would certainly deliver the ordered goods to their table in the just as usual silence. All the while, their conversation already started by a, honestly, rather informal note from Shizuka in her older sister's headdress.

"Indeed it is. It is part of the attire only the most trained and skilled doll artists are meant to wear with pride for their profession and art. And i am one of said." she answered, negligibly gesturing over the rest of her getup. Almost all that she wore for cloth was shaped to puppeteer's or dancer's attire, she found it suitable because both professions had quite the elaborate and pretty dresses to them. Not far off what various consultants ahd proposed when she got her clothes arranged after becoming the Empress, it was deemed reasonably delicate and pretty to reflect the high standing of the country's lead.

On the topic of what they did besides being special ninja-assassin-spies, which they shared; in the same military leg no less, Yuuko steered along the current. "So, i have been wondering. What is it my dear sibling entangles herself with, if she does not have any official business left to work off?" As she was a fan-dancer and marionette-player, there must be something Shizuka did, when she had no one to stalk, no one to stab. Especially so since she was a Kagura as well, and their parents liked to indulge their offspring into fine arts, multiple ones, if possible.

So poking the empress failed but regardless the horn was indeed, still and looked nice on her older sister. Shizuka listened with deep interest to her mistress who the younger Kagura shared the same blood with. The empress with a theme of elegance as a background that was her voice, with a supporting cast that were her sitting pose and choice of attire, expressed that the pride she was clad in was what those only experienced in the arts of doll manipulation would wear. Actually, by connecting the dots, Shizuka - the Miko Kagura - understood what her empress wanted to convey in most humble ways. That her sister was not one of the best out there regarding this art, she is the best.

The more she listened, the more she wanted to nibble at her sister but chose otherwise for the time being though self controlling the urge of mischief that childish beast within her was indeed hard. She wanted to ask her empress how she was able to hold off cold at bay in winter while dressed in such elegant attire? Does she go commando ? Of course all these wordings would have been accompanied by flirty winks and rather flashy musical Nee-tan. She decided on poking Yuuko-sama later and not then.

"So, i have been wondering. What is it my dear sibling entangles herself with, if she does not have any official business left to work off?" Her empress returned the ball to the young one. D-D-Darling Sibling. the word echoed within the halls of her mind. OK, Shizuka wanted to jump, glomp and rub those imperial white cheeks with her own, with her own golden marbles dazzling, while fan screaming Nee-tan. What stopped her was - of course - that her sister was her sister, that made Shizuka question herself if the two siblings would be able to interact with each other informally in the future, that was what she really hoped for.

I do dabble in many things in my times of leisure but primarily I am a Kagura priestess who perform ritual dances channeling a Kami in the mannerisms of speaking, singing and dancing. There are other hobbies of mine but the most cherished one and closest to my heart of those is Karuta for I do enjoy poems.

Shizuka gave her answer giving her sister an indication that she shared with her the passion for dancing albeit both of them practiced them differently in their own ways. knowing that this conversation like a sakura bud soon to bloom exactly like their relationship she asked the empress a question.

Nee-tan~ do you enjoy your life as an empress? and please, call me as Shizu-chan? Shizuka said ending with an innocent smile, will the Empress be able to say those two words "Shizu-chan" since after all the question was the cover for the real intent of this mission called 'let the empress call me Shizu-chan'

So, ritual dances she did. Interesting. Went well with the family tradition of dancing arts teached to the daughters. Reflecting on her sister, other family females she had heard of and herself, Yuuko was a tiny bit astounded by the variety of arts and things that were found to be dances. And every kind of them was a special and complicated work of art in themselves.
Nonetheless, the conversation continued, and like in a decent match of tennis, Shizuka returned the ball. With a spin. Trying to become all familiar with her sister head first. About the actual question, the empress only thought for so long. The seemingly minimal remark at the end was what realy took her interest for a -virtually hours-long- trip of self-questioning and exploring. All the while, an answer already escaped her lips as by itself. "That is a tough question, indeed. It is a life burdened with much responsibility and important decisions just one alone has to bear." A short pause for breath, she left in. All the while lletting silence imply that she did feel herself perfectly suited and self-confident for this mentioned burden. "It is also filled with many important activities that leave little room for personal time, as well as mistakes. Neither has a place in the workings of an Empereor or Empress." Again, a well placed pause, paired with a mysterious smile did the rest of the message, by silent implication. "Surely not meant for one of weak mind or body. But to answer the originally intenden question. Why, yes. It is in fact a honourable task despite al hardships and being trusted with matters of it's scale is a honour in itself.It is very much pleasing to be able to fulfill this honour and seeing the country grow and evolve in response to everything we do. Does this sufficiently answer your question... Shizu-chan?" The name slowly dripped out, not unlike how she used to adress foes of all kind with a certain, slow and maliceful tone. But without the malicious intent. Just the strongly-effective tone and slowness. Because she had reached a conclusion on the trick matter - which it undoubtedly was, if Yuuko's interhuman judging sense was any indication.

And the decision was, this was -after all- her sister, the person closest to herself, besides their common parents. The only difference was a wink of fortune for her to be the older sibling. They could have been in opposite positions now, if lady luck would have wanted them to be. So in a sense, the now empress was grateful to her sister for letting her into this position and wanted to treat her as the second place she was. Which was in no way a bad thing. Second place to the Empress was something most loyal Aerugese would propably murder their own mother for.

Yuuko, her mistress and older sister was indeed honest in her next play of words which were masterfully done by choosing what to say and what to not, When to speak and when to stop. Shizuka began to feel out how her sister handled the conversation. She was more serious than her being formal and so the younger one between the two adapted.

It was indeed a true burden to be the one who call the shots. The one who takes all responsibility for all the decisions made shaping the lives of her subjects. Mistakes are indeed costly and in that certain path which mostly people of this earth doesn't tread , mistakes aren't tolerated. That was indeed harsh for a woman in her middle twenties, but with dignity she ascended the throne harboring unimaginable difficulties all alone. Truly, she - the empress - is strong, far more stronger than her younger copy.

The tone her sister spoke with emanated steadfast, power and strength while showing Shizuka the honor of being the eternal law that governs - in her reign of rule and by her own hands - harmony and beauty that soon would be, giving away a tip that the leisure time of those in this position was close to none and naturally as implicated familial meetings such like this would be minimal.

So Shizuka gave her sister a warm smile not as like those ones before keeping her mischief in control, she would go serious as a sign of respect to the elegant mannerisms of her empress. The Sakura-yu was served and she found the ceramic bowl between her palms. Slowly raising it to the level where she could take her sip and of course making no sounds while at it.

And with the slightly salty taste such a drink was famous for hailed her her senses of taste. It came to her that such a beautiful thing like the cherry blossom floating in this small tiny bowl of hers was salty instead of sweet. And it also came to her mind that her sister in all of her grace and elegance probably suffered the bitterness of loneliness.

And that when Shizuka felt ashamed..

Shizuka felt ashamed that she in those days of childhood felt jealousy towards her older sister who took most of her parents interest and attention away from her. That she out of competition trod the path of the ninja to win against her but that when she was child, and the days of childhood withered away long time ago. And by then, Shizuka as she is right now was filled in both interest and intrigue regarding her mistress snow blooming now into admiration.

But Shizuka was childishly selfish even with all the training she received and wanted more of her sister and so she answered her older sister following it by a question. Yuu-sama she inaugurated her coming of words - of course after lowering away the tiny bowl - by acknowledging the authority of her older sister "Indeed, you did though I might inquire more regarding such matter. Does it feel lonely? and Do you yearn for friendship and close company? it was simple question to be asked and maybe considered as naive but Shizuka wanted to see how her empress would express such feelings.

This certainly got more interesting with every rally that passed. Much different from arguing with consultants, generals or other world leaders about something. And especially different from interrogating target individuals - which didn't happen often in her funtion as shisu ken head, but sometimes.
Much more personal and refreshing to be asked things and asking things to get nce and honest answers instead of forced ones, or unnecessarily complicated formal ones. But it also tapped into subjects which Yuuko hardly spend thought on, as an Empress and as the trained, steel-cold person she was educated to be. Just like the question her sister; which she still could only hardly believe that she had a sister to begin with; asked her now. It was really something she had no actual answer for in store. Once more, her habit of taking time before forming responses -usually more a strategic measure then actual thinking time- bought her a moment to consider her deep inner self about this without looking too surprised.

Naturally, there always were servants and assistants around. Even for simple tasks such as dressing, hygiene and such. So she wasnt actually alone, and they also did sometimes try to be all familiar with her, trying to assure her and other such - probably seeing how they happened to be around in even the most intimate moments, they were trained to get into a somewhat personal brotherly or sisterly behaviour to help the served person ease up. Or such, the older sibling figured. But these servants could't really replace inter-human connections as actually close friends and family would provide, or could they? This matter, it needed careful mulling for additional time, so a proper conclusion was reached. Yuu did not plan to make a faulty statement just because she didn't think matters trough enough.

"I suppose such is the human nature. And i certainly am not free of this. But as i was conditioned by our both father, i find it rather difficult to be certain of it. Or to express it, if i have need for these feelings." That propably summed and described it pretty well. She certainly wasn't friendly with her own human feelings, if she wanted to or not. Not only because it was difficult to go againt your own conditioning, but also because it was more of a burden in a highly important position like EMpress of Aerugo.

Maybe having a good connection with her sister could help her change that, improve on her personality. A bit more humanity certainly couldn't hurt Yuuko, and that she even thought herself. In her time out of the literal nest, she had learned a few things she had not heard of before and wouldn't have dares to dream about. "But there is currently just one person that i will want to have around and try bettering my close company with. What is it you think of these feelings o' mine, dear?" Naturally, the bright haired could only mean one person, and her eyes, lightened up with an unusual happiness amd wamrth, gave away who this could have been. ALso, a smile fought hard to make it trough. After all, she just got in the clear with herself about some feelings and this decision would likely make some changes happen for her as a single person - while she would reign and lead just like before. BUt the smile, she feslt almost misplaced, embarrassing to be seen, so the old habit took upper hand, and a well placed fan appeared from her sleeve, shielding her in this moment of almost weakness.

As her empress pondered the question contemplating the whole situation searching for a suitable honest answer where there were no lies and so she dwelt in her inner world that is her deep inner soul and took a while. The younger sibling's soul resonated and thought as well until answer was given and received on her account. Shizuka thought to herself that this time by then a decision she was about to make or actually she already did take, by looking cogitative to the matter at hand and to the situation as a whole from an eagle view. Shizuka, the quite fragrance found herself lucky. Lucky not to be the first daughter of the kagura for if she was the one, she would be the empress and so in turn she would be burdened by the responsibility of millions. Indeed, thanks to Yuu for being Yuu. Shizuka, despite struggling against heavy training was able to live free. And all thanks to her older sister. Shizuka didn't pity her Oneesama. Actually, she was grateful.

And so, the empress gave away her answer and indeed it was honest and much expected. Still Shizuka found it indeed really strange, for they were born from the same father yet both trod different paths. The older sibling learned how to be cold, pragmatic and calculating capable of making decisions merciful and harsh all unbiased, she was raised to be lone wolf. No, lone wolf was an understatement. She was raised to be a dragon.

Unlike her sister, Shizuka was sent away to experience the world and interact with the people which was certainly important to give birth to those warm feelings such ass love and reverence, the most important aspects of her spiritual refinement that made her a Kunoichi. Shizuka was raised to follow her mistress later on, watching from the shadows the dragon soaring towards the heaven in awe and she too had to be a dragon in order to follow. But Shizuka was more greedy than greed himself, she didn't want to see her empress as a mistress but as a sister.

And before the younger between the two would ask her next question. Something unexpected happened. The one shizuka hoped her to be a more of a sister than an empress and mistress continued and told her quite the nice words radiating with true feelings and warmth. Happiness shined making her Oneesama the more beautiful and reached perfection with an innocent smile but the sun sat down when the empress hid herself behind the fan quickly drawn out in a swift elegant move.

Ureshii.. the thought of gladness crossed her mind after this moment of realization that empress Yuu was interested too in her and wanted the relationship between the duo to evolve though still embarrassed of showing that. Her sister was indeed cute.

My ambition is taking every opportunity with fullness. she for a second remembered a line of her ninjutsu poem. It was indeed the ambition, her pure ambition that she was going to bring into reality. The opportunity showed it'self and by then The young Kagura would cling to that hand in friendship given to her.

So instead of stating an opinion about her empress's wish which would be obviously rude, Shizuka would express her own feelings and raise her hand towards her sister's stretched hand to hold.

Nee-tan... Shizuka paused for second as she found it was actually difficult to express such feelings, indeed the empress made quite the feat. Nee-tan... she couldn't find the words though they were her allies to begin with, and so she stood up from her comfortable abode nearing her sister as she took away the sakura petals of the sakurayu within her hands and as just close to her sister, she would kneel in a pose of swearing fealty renowned for those who trod the path of the ninja.

Nee-tan, I know that I am selfish regarding what about I am going to ask of someone as highly as you. Shizuka said while her eyes were looking on the ground not looking at the imperial subject Nee-tan.. she drew away the sakura petals that resembled the true beauty and the will of Aerugo on the same ground which she kept her gaze at I will risk my life. And swear an oath upon these flowers to stand always by your side protecting you from any harm and share with you the pain of shouldering such heavy burden.

But in return, keep at your side, show me your beautiful smile and be my sister. So please.. and lastly Shizuka rose her vision to look at her sister elegant avatar to speak the last word, her sister's name.

Yuu.

Little did she know, that her answers to the questions she was given would lead Yuuko to this kind of situation. Otherwise she might have choosen her words differently, wiser and everything. Because, even in all the different meetings and audiences with various people she already had to attend and give, never had this happened without it being part of the planned agenda.

Much surprised had she observed what her sister decided to do. So she ended up kneeling near the older One's seating, very much like how various positions of the empire had to, when they swore their allegiance and loyalty to land and empress. And that was pretty much what she did. All the while charging open doors with Yuu, asking her to please try and accept her as a sister, treat her as such and smile upon her. That was just what she herself had wanted to do with her sister, even though a sworn relation was not quite the idea of the empress. But, offered this chance, she didn't think a second time and made her mind up to a positive decision.

Snapping the just used fan back to a closed position, she got out of the seat silently, standing in front of and looming over her sisterin her tense and straight posture. Even in light of all this, she could not skip over herself entirely and had to transmit an endless moment of negative tension and revel in it. But just before her sister would possibly snap like a twig that is being stepped on, she finally raised her voice for another time. "Second daughter of the Kagura house. If you have doubts about your oath after all, now they shall be spoken." Giving her just a quick blink of an eye to do so, already feeling she woldn't, the Empress and more importantly Sister continued quickly. "So be it then. We accept your loyalty and terms equally." With an almost religious motion she graced her bowed sister on her head with the palm of her right. Just like it was traditionally correct, the ruler had indeed a responsibility to sort of bless the person as a sign of something that is returned in favour of the loyalty - back when the Empereor was still ment to be almost godlike, this equalled the loyal soldier's protection and giving him strenght for all he would have to do in the name of this oath. Of course, right now, Yuuko did this more in a playful meaning, not that she did not take this offering of feelings seriously, it's just she did not have any real obligation to do it. "Now, dearest Shizu-chan, get up. There is no need for the empress' sister to be down on the floor." She had to try really hard, but it went reasonably well this time. The urge to put on a straight face and cover with the fanning tool was there, but she resisted it and, for her measures it was quite the big one at that, smiled slightly down on her, expecting her to get up and return to a more inofficial style of conversation.

And what followed was nothing but silence, a firm footsteps and an empress standing tall for Shizuka to even think about taking a quick peak, so she didn't raise her vision to the level that would meet the yellow-golden-esque imperial eyes instead she waited for the verdict and the empress took her time. And in these silence, the only thing Shizuka felt was an outrageous heartbeat pounding.

So what it would be? Exalt or smite?

The imperial subject has spoken testing the metal of the young one who offered her older sister the ultimate oath of soul. On Shizuka's part, there was no objection even the urge to reconsider things wasn't there to begin with. She wanted her sister so she came up with this childish act but only within the aspects of innocence and certainly not the playfulness. An simple example would be given, a child would plead his parents to buy him a game but in return that child would study to be a one of the ranked in his class, the parents were not obligated to grant his wish and would force him to study against even without granting. It was the same here but with some differences. Shizuka desired her sister but there was nothing she can do but to offer support in every way possible, on the other hand the empress was raised to be self dependent with no needs or desires to depend on others, she was not obligated to accept her younger sister feelings while the younger would have to serve out of obligation her older sister. In this situation, the empress did have the upper hand.

"So be it then. We accept your loyalty and terms equally." The empress declared. But there was this word that chimed within the halls of the quite fragrance's mind. Equally..equally..equally.. Her sister could have accepted the loyalty and terms without being equally. Her sister would show her younger sibling that beautiful smile again and would treat Shizuka as a sister and as an equal. And like the emperors of old, the empress sealed the contract by a gentle head patting. But at such moment, was the empress ready for a 'Tsunami' of warm feelings, she was barely able to keep her old self at bay. For instance, there somethings only siblings can offer while servants couldn't like what was about to happen next in a moment or so.

Yes, Shizuka for a while kept her posture of kneeling while the empress was unaware was happening down there or that faint sound of ticking with irregular pattern. It was Shizuka's tears falling on the very same flowers she swore her oath upon and if the ground was soil and if the cherry blossoms were cherry seeds, then it would have given birth to a very beautiful and mature cherry blossom tree, for the tears were tears of happiness.

"Now, dearest Shizu-chan, get up. There is no need for the empress' sister to be down on the floor." The older sibling addressed the younger one hoping for an unofficial style of conversation but she would get more than that. Truly, it would be for someone of her status by all means surprising and unconventional.

In swift move, Shizuka would hug Yuuko as the latter would begin to feel both warm droplets falling on the same shoulder Shizuka head rested upon and her irregular heartbeats since the embrace was sisterly intimate. The younger sibling wanted to say Arigatou, Yuu. but her love Karuta got the hold of her and instead she recited a poem that would serve the current situation and surely the empress, for someone refined as her would understand quite easily.

"Ama tsu kaze, *Let the winds of heaven*
Kumo no kayoiji, *Blow through the paths among the clouds*
Fuki toji yo, *And close their gates.*
Otome no sugata, *Then for a while I could detain*
Shibashi todomen." *These messengers in maiden form.*

The words were to come out with both lowering and heightening which was quite obvious due to her unorganized breathing all due to her crying and tears of joy shedding. What Shizuka wanted to tell Yuuko in those words that she - the quite fragrance - finds her older sibling - the superior one - as a maiden angel that she wanted to detain never to let go. And soon afterwards, a stream of words followed.

"Yuu, I always wanted to speak to you, laugh with you, play with you, tease you and do those things sister can do with each others" The empress didn't know she had a sister to begin with but Shizuka on the other hand knew she had one since childhood and even with being jealous of her sister, Shizuka wanted interact with her blood sibling but due to being a Kagura, such was impossible.
Her heartbeats would calm down synchronizing with Yuu's until both had the same rhythm signaling the completion of the 'equality' contract.

Figuring out she was hugging her sister tightly, she slowly let her go fight the urge not to. Gomen-ne, Yuu After apologizing, Shizuka started to wipe her tears in a childish manner, not to wipe them with her fingers but with the lower section of her palms -still standing in front of Yuu- making a watery mess over her white aerugese skin, but Joy was pretty evident on the younger sibling avatar.

You may call me whatever you wish, Yuu. Shizuka said regarding adding the 'chan' to Shizuka meaning that empress may call her sibling in any form if she wished.

"Be sure, i will try." she only said. This was certainly a moment in which she didn't think a whole lot, as the sibling was pretty much overwhelmed by feelings just like her sister was, but much less capable of just letitng them run wild. May be a good skill for someone, but it was also bad sometimes. Like now. So she just acted basically. While it was certainly emotional, the full scope of it would only come around in some time. Speechless was about the only thing that described Yuuko right now and she had little idea how to handle this even. "Of course, as my sister and second highest member of the service", service meaning a certain ninja party within the military of Aerugo, "i will rely on your persona in the future." That was the thing she could only think of. The Empress naturally had a lot of things on her hands and establishing any kind of close relation meant getting included to the inner workings of the Empire Gouvernment. But for right now, Yuuko, who was just released from her sisters embrace, sat down again to where she stood up from moments earlier and awaitted her sibling to do the same, so they could continue their conversation and bonding for a little while longer, before their tome for today would be over.

Rejuvenation, those tears were quite the elixir for they wash one's soul. Feeling clarity, she saw what lied beyond the veil. Yuu shared the same feelings despite her incapability of showing them still she promised trying to call Shizu in more informal manner. as my sister and second highest member of the servic it did have a nice ring to it specially the part that was the variant meaning of sibling. As her's second of command, the position didn't officially exist and Shizu didn't care about titles thanks to her seemly zealous life. Regardless, that meant she would be more the closer to her sister aiding in all sorts plans that would make Aerugo a nation above all nation.

Anything for you, Yuu-tan. Anything for you. the younger one told the older who took her seat back but Shizuka didn't return to her comfortable abode yet. Instead, first she took back the sakura petals, the flowers of her oath as a keepsake for what happened that day, she would try to preserve them somehow. As for the Sakurayu, this drink is going to be her favorite and would drink one bowel a day to relive the memory of this meeting and to remember an oath made.

But anyway, Shizuka returned back to her seat sitting her usual to Seiza however this time leaning and reclining to her side showing signs of relaxation and relaxation whispered to her a question that needed an answer. She didn't as of yet ask her sister if she had friends. Surely there must be someone who piqued the empress' interest in her complete cycles and non of her life. After picking up a nearby handkerchief to clean up the mess, she asked her question.

So Yuu-tan..so there must be someone you sought out as a friend and wanted them to see you as one. it is bound to be there at least one, Shizuka thought to herself. Your friends are my friends, you know. Shizuka followed up with this very friendly remark that served a hidden meaning that she will like anyone or anything the empress like.

So after a short intermission, their conversation could finaly continue. With the trained composure she was used to, the emotional scene just moments ago had already passed her, at least regarding her outwards appearance. Again, she was asked things most unusual and not been asked of the Empress in that way and shape ever before. Friends, Yuu never really had thought about that term much, mostly because ever since that day, she had not had the room in her life for any of this personal business at all, the sole ruler of a country as Aerugo was always busy. Being educated for solely one task -with cold and sharp mentality as well- and nothing else didn't exactly help the fact.
Putting a finger to her lower lip, insinuating that she was thinking about this very hard and deep, like kids sometimes do before continuing.
"I guess, again being the Empire's head figurine doesn't fare me as well as it could. For one, it is hard to make friends with people when all they do is see your authority. Also duties leave little time." That or something to it's extent was almost her standart response for this conversation by now, although unwillingly. "But. I must give credit for one person. You might just have heard of her. As it turned out, the late former empress was someone i used to be friends with a long time ago, on the off chances when i were able to leavy thbe house. But we sort of lost each others tracks as time went on and sadly, when i happened to find out she had disappeared to become the Empress, only shortly after our reunion, well." It sort of saddened Yuuko to try and relive her relation to a friend of better childhood days, whom she had by now taken place of and propably would probably surpass soon. "It was a parting most unpleasant. Both times." And that was true, as were her emotions so she didn't bother to hide the darkened facial expressions that snuck their way onto her face. "I'm going to assume, with your vastly different life up until now, you had more and hopefully cheerful experiences with other individuals?" She just had to return the same question to her sister. Since they were in fact sisters, meant to be of the same origin, but yet so different. Just how strong could the contrast be, that's what the danceress wondered, that's why she asked her sister the same things she was asked by her.

The empress had a friend, sadly enough it was a 'had' for her friend was none other than the former empress herself and the last of the blessed bloodline of the amaterasu, of course that was to Shizuka's knowledge of the whole matter until then. Yuu-tan revealed such a matter after delving into how her position was an obstacle for others to approach her and on the other hand, she to approach them. Still, there was this one friend that she cherished most for the latter was Harumi Tsukino. How both did meet each other? Shizuka didn't know yet. To fate everything is easy, for fate needs no logical explanations to work. Both of the important figures met together on rare occasions and short notices as the empress cared to explain.

However, Shizuka as one who served the Shisu-ken and currently as such, the title of Shisu-ken second in command was hers. She knew that the former empress didn't die naturally. How the assailant was able to do such a feat? How they were able to get close to the former empress for the kill? Even it was very known for Aerugo it's specially trained troops and a home for the infamous, hidden, stealth-ed and mostly not to be known except by key figures, the order of the sheathed sword. The issue needed further investigation and the security around the current empress and the most cherished person to Shizuka's heart must be uptight, very uptight to make impossible for an ant to pass through. There was indeed no place for failure.

I am...really sorry. signs of sadness would appear on the younger of the two siblings for the older one. And there was lament, if the former Empress was still alive probably that would make her Yuu-tan more happy with less responsibilities and a clearer mind. But the moments of the past were long gone and the Kagura over Aerugo by then reigned supreme.

And so, her older sibling asked the same question in return. The signs of sadness quickly passed away and Shizuka prepared herself to answer the question by a haste but a deep breath and as she exhaled, her next words came to pass.

"True, I couldn't deny that it was fun meeting a lot of people and befriending a lot as well however being always on the move so few of them these friendships became permanent and even those, masquerade myself in one of my false personae is a must for me to contact them. It would be quite challenging to have a real friends since mainly dwelling within the shadows and in the sovereignty of light, I am dressed in false identities."

Maybe the empress was lucky to have someone to make a friend for truly what she is. Though she was not as lucky enough thanks to her lack of freedom and speaking of which..

"Nee-tan, is there something you wish to come true" Shizuka asked the question where she would follow it later with another question of the same nature.

She was literally holed with questions the empress didn't ever think about usually. Emotions and everything. Very unusual. ANd they just kept coming. Shizuka really must have had a dire need to ged rid of stockpiled questions from a couple of years or so.
And the next one, she asked after answering the one Yuuko had returned her -about friendmaking and such matters- with an almost similiar experience. What little there was to be had for friends was complicated to keep in touch with and what was lept in tough, only connected to one of many disguises of hers. Fakery and not one person who connected with the actual person. That couldn't be remotely the same as 'real, direct' friends.
"Well, i guess, there are a few things." A fine question with so many facades to it. And it would be asnwered the loudest by the unpersonal empress side of Yuuko. The one that stood for wellbeing and superiority of the empire at all costs. The cold and calculating one with no room for regrets or concerns. "Naturally, i hope and aim for our empire's success in settling conflicts on all ends." Emphasis on settling. It was pretty clear 'settling conflicts' in this context meant 'win battles, conquer territory and bevome a most important country and force'. If the tone didn't give it away, her obvious expressions and more then just a little malicious grin surely did. It was an open secret that Aerugo would conquer everything within reach, if they had decent chances of actually winning the confrontations. Currently it was more of a waiting game, but forebearance is not aquittance. As if this wasn't probably shocking to any random listener, if there was one, as well as her sister, the Empress continued as it was the most normal reaction to that question. "And for me personally, i dream of succeeding in bringing our wonderful country to prosperity while also enriching my own horizon with many an interesting experience. To not loose all my being to incoporating the empire's first seat." The smile stayed, but at least it lost it's surprisingly pleased, malicious flavour.

Well, there were no conflicts on all ends yet. Shizuka with her intellect was able to understand and catch on what both of her sister and mistress meant to say, especially with the wicked features apparent by a grin, an non innocent smile and most importantly the tone of her voice. The younger between the two by then saw how cunning her sister was. And in order to maintain superiority over people and land, the intrigue of Aerugo would be mostly used combined with the military strength of it's elite specialized troops. The quite one despite not being that quite felt the days of war were coming upon them, wars that they needed to win for them to rule and for the empress wishes to come true. As the Empress's sister, she must ensure reliable flow of one hundred percent correct information, spreading creative chaos in the target countries to weaken them from the inside and finally advancing more in her alkahestry that would prove useful in their future plans if she was able to bring forth it's true potential.

The empress' demeanor reflected naught of regret with the tone of ever calculating ambitious woman still what followed told Shizuka that her Yuuko even with being pragmatic for her own people and ruthless to her enemies wanted to enrich herself's experience with matters other than ruling. Specifically that what made Shizuka feel more relieved after hearing that, as continuous ruling with an iron clad without having rest or breaks trying something else would tire the most hardened of kings.

Indeed, Aerugo is blessed with a ruler of great potential and with the people's support, miracles would happen. But here came Shizuka's followup question which was the same as it's former but with a twist. Probably, a question that the empress may consider it as a repetition since in her previous answer, there was the reply that Shizuka sought. Still, since they were meeting here, The younger sibling wanted to see how her Oneesama would reply to such a direct question.

I see, Yuu-tan. Is there something that you may regret?