Tsukiko shot up like a rocket, sitting up in a wild panic, her heart beating like a drum in her chest.

"What's wrong, babe?" Someone next to her spoke.

Tsuki let out a long sigh, her heart settling itself as she turned. There was a girl next to her, half awake.

"You up?" Fumi muttered, rubbing her eyes.

"Yeah." Tsuki looked around.

Tsukiko was in a big white bed. The walls around her were also white, save for the massive glass panes. They revealed the incredible landscape beyond.

Outside was a green space, leading down to sand and beach. Little red flowers and tall grass fluttered in the wind. The waves crept up on the sand and fell back.

Even through the floor to ceiling glass walls, she could hear the outside. Seagulls cried in the distance as the waves crashed. The wind hit the walls, creating a low hum.

Fumiko wrapped herself around Tsuki's arm. A little smile crept up on her face.

Now calmed, Tsukiko took a moment to look around and take in her surroundings. Her white Knight's jacket was hanging on a coat hook next to the door, and her black ankle heels were placed together at bedside. She looked around for her hat and found it sitting on the nightstand.

Tsuki sat on the edge of the bed, reaching down and sliding on her heels as easily as she always had. She stood up and stepped toward the coat hook, but when she reached for her jacket, Claudia's hand stopped her.

"It's not time yet." A note materialized in Tsuki's hand.

Fumi laced her boots. "How're you feeling?"

When Tsuki looked up, Claudia'd already left. Fumiko must not have noticed the redhead's brief presence.

"I think I'll be fine." Tsuki reached out one last time, before stopping. "C'mon, let's find out where the hell we are."

"You sure?" Fumi spoke softly. "We could go back to bed..."

"...sitting around wouldn't be much fun, would it?" Tsuki got up to her feet.

Together, they stepped through the door next to the coat hook, and the rest of the home revealed itself to them. The floor was a polished ebony, while the walls were snow white. Each piece of furniture existed in pure, harsh monochrome. Nearly everything was built with ninety degree angles. A rectangular glass coffee table was flanked by cubic arm chairs. The roundest thing in the room was a potted plant.

"Out so soon?" A female voice called.

They both turned, following the voice to a kitchen to their right. Aurelia was standing in the middle of it.

Tsuki approached, but she stepped on an injured leg. She would have fallen over had Fumi not caught her and held her up.

"Aurelia." Tsukiko called out.

"Are you feeling well, Tsukiko?" Aurelia approached her.

The blonde seemed to be in good spirits, tending to a pot over the stove. A strong, yet very pleasant smell filled the kitchen, washing over Tsuki.

"I'll be alright." Tsuki scratched her head. "...I would've liked a little warning, but--"

"Warning?" Aurelia asked.

"Wakin' up in some bed on the beach after... all that? Thought I'd died." Tsuki tried to force a joke, no one laughed.

"All is well, right?" Aurelia smiled a bit at her.

"Are you... cooking?" Tsuki finally asked.

"Of course." Aurelia stirred. "Good food will help you recover."

"...it just feels a little weird to see you slavin' over a stove, that's all." Fumi added.

"How is this any different from when you watch me work on a garment?" Aurelia asked.

"So, what're we doing here?" Tsukiko tried to get an answer.

Aurelia grabbed a jar, sprinkling a red powder into the pot. "You need your rest."

"...right." Tsukiko wasn't too pleased.

"Cheer up." Fumi nudged her. "I'm right here, aren't I?"

"Yeah." Tsuki tried to pull her closer, but she couldn't command much strength, her hand only loosely grabbing Fumi's coat.

"Don't worry." Fumi pressed herself against Tsuki. "I'll be your arms if you can't lift 'em."

Tsuki didn't feel like fighting it. "Alright."

Aurelia turned away from the stove and over to Tsuki. "You can head down to the beach, if you would like. Some fresh air might aid in your recovery."

"Sounds nice." Fumiko nodded.

Fumiko approached a nearby glass door leading outside, and swung it open, filling the room with a brisky, powerful wind. Tsuki shut the door behind them as they stepped out. Fumi took a few steps forward, then looked back at Tsukiko, pausing as her eyes noticed something next to the door. There was a pair of curved wooden walking sticks propped up against the house's wall. Fumi grabbed them both, handing one of them to Tsukiko.

A narrow dirt path cut through a small field of tall, unkempt green grass and colorful wildflowers between the house and the beach. The green blades and petals swayed along with the flow of crisp, ocean winds, the breeze's cold bite making the girls shiver just a bit.

Tsuki put her weight on the walking stick, letting it carry her to take some pressure off of her sore legs and tired body. Fumi grabbed another one and joined her, dragging it behind her and letting it lift up the sand behind her.

Massive clouds blotted out the sun, colored anywhere from light gray to inky black, all mixed like a watercolor painting in the sky. Sunlight forced its way through little pinhole gaps, leaving long streaks of warm color on the ocean below.

Seagull's cries were just able to overpower the sound of the ocean's tides rising and falling against the beach's sands. The birds above fought against the power of the wind, simply hovering in the air above the water, calling out and flapping their wings.

"Is this really safe?" Tsuki asked. "It looks like a storm's coming in."

Fumi replied. "I wasn't planning on swimming anyway."

"Sorry." Tsuki apologized.

"Shouldn't I be the one saying sorry? I bet you wanted to see me in a swimsuit." Fumi chuckled. "I like that one piece you've got back home."

Tsuki sighed. "Maybe."

"Bolder than usual." Fumiko joked. "Good mood?"

"Not really." Tsukiko shook her head.

"Why not?" Fumi led her down the path gently.

"What do you think?" Tsuki hissed as she stepped on an injured leg.

"C'mon." Fumiko insisted. "I've... seen you in worse shape than that."

They arrived at the sands of the beach, where a nice little spot had been set up for the both of them. Two chairs were set up next to each other, draped with striped black and white fabric. An umbrella was stabbed into the sand between them, its ultramarine cover flapping around. It was a miracle the wind hadn't knocked it all over.

Tsuki fell into the chair on the left. She leaned back, and every bone in her body popped into place. Fumi stood over her, staring.

Tsukiko looked away. "It's not that."

"Did ya get your feelings hurt?" Fumi prodded.

Tsuki scowled.

Fumi sat in Tsukiko's lap. "C'mon, tell me."

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Tsuki wrapped her arms around Fumi's waist. "I don't want you to worry."

Fumi turned, so that she was sitting sideways on Tsuki's legs. "I'm always worried about you. I'll never stop worrying."

"Sorry." Tsuki said.

"I trust you." Fumi shook her head. "I'll always be worried about you, Knight or not. You're always on my mind."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tsuki asked.

"It means I love you." Fumiko looked her in the eye. "I'm not scared. I knew what I got into when I fell for you. You'll do your best, no matter what."

"What if I get you in trouble?" Tsuki asked. "What if I'm hurting you? Am I cut out for this?"

Fumiko laughed a little and shook her head. "You never had these doubts before. If you drag me into something, we're fighting out together."

"I just..." Tsuki trailed off.

"That jacket was made for you!" Fumi raised her voice. "You're still wearing it for a reason."

"...thanks."

"Right now, the jacket's off." Fumi leaned onto Tsukiko. "So, you're just... you. The girl I love."

"...love you too."

Fumiko stood up. She took a few paces out onto the sand, facing the sea. The wooden walking stick was in her right hand.

Her pale green coat flapped in the wind. Red boots clashed with the white sand. A black choker wrapped around her neck.

Fumi turned dramatically.

The coat was loose, revealing the gray button-up under it. She had a pair of black double breasted high waist shorts. The dull brass buttons paired nicely with the black pantyhose.

"How do I look?" Fumi struck a pose.

"...fantastic." Tsuki said.

"Good, cuz we're going on a date."

"A date?" Tsuki sat up straight.

"Yeah!" Fumi puckered up her red lips.

"Where?" Tsukiko raised an eyebrow.

Fumi grabbed Tsukiko's arms and pulled her up. "C'mon, on your feet."

Tsuki sighed. "I'm supposed to be resting."

"You're not hurt." Fumi winked. "You're just down, aren't ya?"

Tsuki scratched her head. "Fumi, I got my ass handed to me."

"Yeah, but you're all dressed up." Fumi shook her head. "You look like one of those office ladies. I'm not missing out on this!"

Tsuki grabbed the walking stick and stuck it into the sand. "Breakfast ain't ready yet. What'd you have in mind?"

"You're worried about Sylvie, right?" Fumi glared.

"...'course I am."

"You had a nightmare." Fumi continued.

"Yeah." Tsukiko looked away. "What's that have to do with anything?"

"What'd you see?" Fumi stared.

"I was alone, in some random field somewhere." Tsuki sighed. "I kept calling you, but you wouldn't answer. You were angry with me. I fucked up and you didn't wanna forgive me."

"It's just a dream, right?" Fumiko reminded her. "I'm right here. If you want me to forgive you for something, all you've gotta do is ask."

"...Don't make it that easy." Tsukiko spoke softly.

Fumi held up the wooden walking stick. Its curved shape finally revealed its true purpose. It was a wooden sword with one dull edge.

She smirked. "Fight me."

"Why would I do that?" Tsuki cocked her head.

"Can't have you getting rusty. I can teach you a thing or two."

Tsuki hesitated. "...fine."

Fumi held the wooden sword tightly in her two hands, the tip pointed toward Tsukiko. Her boots planted themselves in the white sand, her body already in stance.

Tsukiko hesitated, unsure whether she should make the first move or not. She held the sword low, in one hand. Fumiko's body relaxed a bit, and Tsuki took it as a cue to start moving forward. She forced her legs through the sand, a sore feeling slowing her down.

The Knight raised the sword high, going through the soreness, then brought it down. Fumi stood her ground as the two swords clashed, Tsuki's glancing away.

Fumi swung quickly, slashing at Tsukiko's stomach and striking hard enough to push her away. In the same motion, she stepped back, widening the gap between them with an unchallenged stance.

Tsuki stepped back. "Damnit, that hurt."

Fumi smiled. "I was on the team back in high school. Remember?"

"How am I supposed to compete with that?" Tsuki cocked her head.

"You've got that fighter's instinct. You can throw a punch, but you can't expect that to solve all your problems" Fumiko lowered her guard.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Tsukiko stared.

"It means you've gotta think." Fumi said bluntly. "You're stronger than me. I've gotta work around that." Fumi said with a smirk.

"Hmm." Tsuki stood with a wider stance. "Like this?"

"Bend your knees a little more." Fumi instructed. "You need to be able to use your whole body."

Tsuki stopped. "Why're you teaching me this?"

"I don't want you thinking I'm some floozy that'll leave you the moment shit gets tough." Fumi stomped her boot in the sand.

"I don't--"

"C'mon!" Fumi taunted. "Let's finish this fight."

"Alright." Tsuki raised her sword. "Just don't cry when you lose, okay?"

Tsuki wrapped her fingers around her wooden katana tightly. Fumiko did the same. Slowly, they approached each other.

The Knight swung down. Despite their difference in strength, Tsukiko was unable to break through her opponent's guard. The two wooden swords simply bounced off one another. A wide swing hit Tsuki across the abdomen. The Knight fell back onto the sand, her sword falling with her.

"Hey, you alright?" Fumi ran over to Tsuki's side.

Tsukiko tried to get up. "You caught me off guard, that's all."

Fumi kneeled down next to her. "Sorry, I kinda forced you into that, didn't I?"

"It's alright." Tsuki got back onto her feet, the wooden sword supporting her weight. "Guess I'm worse off than I thought..."

"...I just thought you'd feel better if--" Fumiko stopped herself. "I thought it'd cheer you up."

"I'll be alright, Fumi. I promise." Tsuki tried to reassure her.

Tsuki started limping back toward the two beach chairs. Fumi forced herself under Tsukiko's arm, doing her best to keep the taller girl standing. When they got under the umbrella, Tsuki practically collapsed into a chair.

Tsuki looked up at the brewing gray sky. "Another loss, huh?"

"What's wrong?"

"I can't forget the dream." Tsukiko muttered. "I'm sorry if I disappoint you."

Fumi frowned. "You're not ever gonna disappoint me."

"I just..." Tsukiko's mind wandered to a bad place. "Something's happening, but I can't do anything about it. It feels like Ishikawa's right."

"Right about what?" Fumiko asked. "...what happened last night anyway? I was too afraid to ask earlier, but..."

Tsukiko paused for a long while. "I got there and everyone was gone. It was just Ishikawa and a couple of cops. I tried talking to him and... he started talking about how I should just stay out of trouble, that he won't need our help anymore."

"It's not about being needed." Fumi comforted her. "We don't live in a world where everything's nice all the time. Someone's gotta be there when things go bad, right?"

"...but am I making anything better?" Tsuki muttered. "I couldn't do a damn thing about Sylvie. How the hell am I supposed to help Haru? Shizuka's doing just fine on her own. And Lily--"

Fumiko cut her off. "Of course it feels like that. You're trying to do everything by yourself."

"Mmm." Tsuki looked away.

"Haru and Kaz are busy, Lily's a CEO or something. Who knows where Sylvie is." Fumi grabbed Tsuki's hand. "I haven't been around enough. If I could, I'd be out there fighting with you."

"I don't want you getting hurt." Tsuki said. "You deserve to be above all this."

Fumi let out a long sigh. "I know. I know."

"It's not like I can just give up cuz I'm alone." Tsukiko argued. "I have to keep fighting."

"And end up like this again?" Fumi spoke without thinking.

"...what's that supposed to mean?" Tsukiko turned to her.

"Do you really wanna keep doing this?" Fumiko looked her in the eye as she spoke.

"I just wanna know I'm doing the right thing. If I'm gonna be out there, gettin' hurt and workin' my ass off, I wanna know that I'm making a difference." Tsuki grabbed Fumi's hand and squeezed.

"Alright." Fumiko smiled a little. "Stay strong, okay?"

"Yeah."

"And what about Masahiro?" Fumiko continued. "Shizuka told me about that."

"Shizuka?" Tsukiko suddenly remembered. "Did she follow me?"

"Yeah." Fumiko confirmed. "She ran out after you a few minutes later. I thought she'd stop you, but... she carried you home all... hurt."

"So she's the one who threw him in the river, huh?" Tsukiko laughed weakly. "Fucking piece of shit."

"What'd he do?"

Tsukiko felt embarrassed to talk. "He came begging me to help him out. I never should've listened."

"...help for what?" Fumi asked.

"Who gives a shit?" Tsuki hissed. "Doesn't matter."

"Sorry." Fumi scratched her head.

Tsuki hesitated. "He brought up Sylvie, said he saw her. I turned and he punched me."

"Well, now we definitely know we can't trust him." Fumi sighed. "He should be in jail right now."

"Ishikawa let him out." Tsukiko watched the tide. "Never even saw the inside of a cell."

"Why the hell'd he do that?" Fumiko's voice cracked.

"Dunno." Tsukiko tried to shrug. "Not like he'd ever let me know."

Something small and cold hit Tsukiko's hand rather suddenly. The sky above had started to swirl, turning all the gray clouds black. Streaks of rain started hitting the ground around them, darkening the sand and running down the side of their umbrella. The wind whipped up, a frigid air surrounding them as a storm grew closer.

"It's raining..." Fumiko held out her hand, the drops quickly wetting her hand.

"We'd better get inside." Tsukiko stabbed her stick in the ground and pulled herself up.

Fumi shoved herself under Tsuki's arm. "C'mon, let's hurry back!"

The girl ran back to the house, white flashes in the sky and rumbling thunder following close behind. By the time they got the door open, the sky above had grown so dark that it looked more like night than day. Aurelia welcomed them in with a smile and a warm meal on the table.