Post by Sophie on Jan 19, 2023 0:03:22 GMT -5
The Fuyonouso Institute of Technologies was one of the single most prestigious universities in the whole of Kumosenkan. With an acceptance rate of less than three percent, it hosted ten thousand of Kumosenkan’s brightest. Anyone who graduated from FIT was able to name their job and salary, not to mention that graduates from FIT were responsible for several incredible technologies, including Kumosenkan’s first active sonar module and the RSDM (Radio Ship Detection Module.)
Every student was a true intellectual who spent most of their waking hours studying, working on projects, and attending classes. The FIT Library study rooms were booked out weeks in advance, and if one wanted one for dead week, they would have to reserve it before the semester even started.
Of course, like all living beings, even FIT students needed to relax. Which was precisely what Eri Kohatsu was pitching to her best friend. She spoke as they walked from the engineering building to the mathematics building on a freshly plowed path. “You have any plans for the weekend?”
After receiving a negative answer, Eri rolled her eyes. “Well, you know Yukie Sonada?”
“The senior RA for our dorm?” Eri’s best friend, Saio Hinamoto, confirmed. “Yeah, I know her.”
“Well, she told me about this really cool coffee bar off campus that all the seniors go to.” Eri’s voice was excited, despite Saio’s nose being still buried in a book as they walked.
“Eri-sen…” Saio looked up from her book and gave a sardonic look toward her friend. “Neither of us is old enough to drink. You only just turned nineteen. Besides,” she continued. “We have an exam in calculus next week. You need to be studying more than anyone in the class.”
“Oh, come on!” Eri cheered and ran in front of her friend to address her. “You’re gonna spend the rest of your life looking at numbers and math. Let's go have some fun. One night won’t kill you.”
“Eri, I said no.” Saio continued the rejection. “Even if I wanted to all the bars even near campus, check IDs. They’d never let us in.”
“They would wiiiiith…” Eri held the note as she dug through her satchel. “These!” She pulled out two pieces of paper and handed one to Saio. They were each Kumosenkan Citizen IDs. They had their names on them, and all the information was correct. Except for their age, both of them were twenty-one, according to these IDs.
“Eri?!” Saio called out in confusion. “Where did you get these?!”
“Let’s just say that someone in the printing department owed me a favor.” Her voice was coy, as was her smile.
Saio was horrified. At least, that’s what she looked like. “Eri. This is illegal. You could go to jail! I could go to jail!”
“It’s a two-thousand Yairen fine at most!” Eri waved it off. “I’ll pay yours if you get caught.”
“What if the school kicks us out for this?” Saio was clearly on the verge of a full-blown freakout. “And you know how I get about tests! I need the weekend to study.”
“That’s exactly why you should go!” Eri pushed and grabbed her friend’s hand. “You’ve spent your entire life studying your brains out, and it has never once helped you. Maybe a night of fun and relaxation and drinking will help you kick that stress and let you ace a test for once!”
Saio pursed her lips and wobbled her head. Eri smiled and pressed further. “Come on. You know everything on that test. I know you know it. You practically helped the entire class with last week's project. Are you seriously going to tell me you need to study?”
She hunched forward and relented. “F- fine.” She rolled her eyes and put the fake ID into her coat pocket.
The two continued on their march to the math building. Oddly enough, there was a line to get in. Two adult women stood at the entrance checking the IDs of every student before letting them in. As soon as Saio and Eri got in line, the adult Black Widow Kumo turned to the other and whispered something, then pointed at Saio.
Saio Hinamoto’s heart jumped into her throat as the two adults abandoned the line and made a beeline straight for her. Eri and Saio stared at each other and panicked. “What do we do?! What do they want?!”
Once they reached the two friends, the Black Widow spoke up. “Saio Hinamoto?”
Her lips twitched as her brain rebooted, trying to answer in a panic. “Y… y… yes?”
“I’m officer Reiri Kamura with the Kumosenkan Internal Security Service. I need you to come with me.” Her voice was excellent, almost calming. But the words caused an absolute panic.
Eri saw her friend freeze entirely, and she grabbed her hand. “A- actually, we’re going to be late for class!” She began to pull Saio’s arm. “Come on, Saio.”
The other of the two adults put up a hand. “Excuse me, Ma’am, we’re talking to Hinamoto-kas. You need to leave. Now.”
Saio’s eyes met with Eri’s, clearly pleading for help. Eri stayed until the woman physically removed her. She mouthed, “I’m sorry.” Before running off into the building.
“Do you have your ID on you?” Officer Kamura asked. Though Saio was still completely frozen. “Hinamoto-kan?” Her voice remained calming. “I need to see your ID.”
For a moment, Saio reached into her coat but stopped herself and changed her target to her satchel. She dug with her violently shaking hands and pulled out her papers. “H… here you go.”
Kamura looked over the paper for a few moments and nodded to her partner. “It’s her.” They shared a look, and Kamura’s face turned stern. “I need you to come with me.” She gestured a hand back the way she had just come.
“I- I uh.” Saio stumbled for words. “Class. My professor- um.”
“We have already informed your professor you won’t be showing up for class today.” The other of the two informed her. “Now please, follow us.”
“N- no I… I need to turn in my homework.” Saio continued to panic and dig through her backpack. She handed her calculus homework to the agents.
“I…?” Kamura, baffled at the paper. “I don’t want this. Listen, Hinamoto-kan. I am not asking anymore. You are coming with us right now.”
“N- no, please!” Saio found her voice and shouted. “I didn’t do anything wrong! I need to go!”
Kamura’s partner held back from rolling her eyes and instead grabbed Saio’s shoulder and began to march her away from the building. Saio hung her head and walked along with the two agents with no more resistance. After a brief ten-minute walk, the group arrived at the school’s only parking lot. Amongst the handful of cars was a luxury vehicle with curtained windows. “Get in.” The partner ordered as Kamura opened the door.
“I’m going I’m going!” She protested and climbed into the back of the vehicle. In the other back seat was yet another woman. A Common House Kumo just like Saio. In fact, this woman could be Saio’s twin if she were twenty years younger. “M… mom? What’s going on?”
Yua Hinamoto, Saio’s mother, looked away, unable to face her own daughter. “Mom what’s happening?!” She almost shouted and reached out her hand and brushed aside some of her hair. Bruises, so many bruises. Hard ones, too, deep purple and red. Every inch of exposed skin was covered in cuts and bruises. “Mom…? What… what happened to you?”
Once the two officers got in the front seats, Saio’s barrage of questions redirected toward them. “Did you do this to her?! What the hell did you do to my mother?!”
Yua grasped her daughter’s hand. “No. No, sweetie, they didn’t do anything to me.” Her voice was low, scratchy, and exhausted. “I’m so sorry.” The car started and began to drive away from the campus.
Saio squeezed her mom’s hand back. “What’s going on Mom?! Who hurt you?!” She took note of her father’s absence and made a leap. “Is dad hitting you?”
An apple-sized nothing caught in Yua’s throat. She shook her head. “No. No sweetie. He’s not involved.” She choked, and tears streamed down her face. “I’m so sorry, Saio. I’m so sorry.”
“Why are you sorry Mom? Please, tell me what’s happening.” The car got onto the eastbound highway and accelerated. Her mom collapsed into her own daughter's chest and began weeping. “Hey!” She again turned to the two officers. “What the hell is going on?!” The two officers didn’t respond in any way and kept their eyes down the road. “Where are we going?!” Again, nothing. “Answer me!” She tried to lean forward and get in their space, but Yua held her daughter back against the seats.
“They’re helping us,” Yua spoke in tears. “Helping me.” She corrected herself with an extremely meek tone.
“Mom, what are you talking about? Helping you with what? We don’t need any help.” Saio asserted while she tried to comfort her mother.
Yua shook her head into her daughter’s stomach. “Mom did get mixed up in something bad. And-”
“Yua.” The stern voice of the driver, Kamura, cut her off. She stared at the mess of a woman through the rearview mirror. “Now’s not the time.”
“Mom, what is she talking about?” Saio continued her confused tirade. “What do you mean now’s not the time?! Please tell me what’s going on, mom.”
A series of unproductive questions continued until the car reached its destination. The Fuyonouso docks. “Get out,” Kamura ordered. Both Yua and Saio obeyed once the officers opened their doors.
“Yua!” A masculine voice called out. Saio turned to see her father flanked by two women dressed similarly to the officers who collected her. “Yua by the spirits, what is going on here?!” He quickly ran to his wife and recoiled in horror upon seeing her so battered. “Wh- what happened to you?! Are you okay?!”
Yua couldn’t muster a response but instead collapsed into a hug placing the burden of her weight onto her husband. “I’m so sorry, Haruto.” Her voice barely broke a whisper as she cried.
“Yua… is this about..?” He asked in a careful whisper and felt his heart sink as his wife nodded into his shoulder. “Fuck…”
“Daddy?” A frightened Saio questioned. “Why are you here too? Do you know what’s going on?”
Haruto gave a pained yet sympathetic look to his daughter. “Oh, Saio.” He reached out an arm to invite her into the hug but was quickly interrupted.
“Follow me.” Officer Kamura ordered them again. Supporting his wife’s weight, Haruto guided Yua along behind Kamura. Saio followed close behind.
She led the family to a large passenger ship, the RMS Asuka. Deep within the bowels of the vessel, a private meeting room had been established. Aside from the family of three, six IS officers, including Kamura. “I don’t have a lot of time to brief you as this ship is leaving within the hour, so I will not be taking any questions.”
That intro set the tone for the meeting, cold. “Yua Hinamoto became involved with an organization of traitors conspiring to commit serious acts of treason against the Empress.” Saio’s head launched in a swivel to stare at her mother, who simply hung her head and stared straight down at the table. “She accepted large sums of money from them to falsify documents within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” Yua again began to weep, and her husband softly patted her back. “A few days ago, Internal Security caught on and brought Yua in for questioning. Once she admitted to her crimes, she agreed to assist Internal security with our investigation into the group. Unfortunately, once she was released, this group immediately captured her and began to interrogate her. This included making threats to harm all of you. We were able to apprehend almost all those involved with Yua Hinamoto-kan’s abduction, but we are certain that this group is still in fighting form. Their threats against all of you are still credible. As a result, Her Highness the Empress has authorized me to give you all new identities and move you somewhere safe until we are able to dismantle this group with one hundred percent confidence that they have been eradicated.”
This flood of new information was overwhelming. Saio could barely think or even move. Her own mother was wrapped up in something like this? For what? “Where are you sending us?” She asked in defiance of the no questions rule.
“Kelsun, Elenria.” Kamura answered while quickly trying to get back on track.
“Elenria?!” Saio shouted. “You’re taking us away from our home and sending us all the way to Elenria?! Surely somewhere closer to home is safe.”
Kamura didn’t answer and just met the gaze of the defiant teenager. “As I was saying. We have backdated a property in your new name in Kelsun to over ten years ago, and we backdated your Enrollment in the Black Citadel Imperial University a year. Now,”
Kamura tried to continue, but Saio interrupted yet again. “Hold on! You can’t talk about this like it's some kind of done deal! Don’t we get any say in this at all?!”
Kamura was getting frustrated, but she was sympathetic to the young girl. Still, she had to remain firm and make her case clear. “Yes, you have a say. You can either do what I tell you or get murdered by an institution of traitors hell-bent on paying back your mother for betraying them.”
Saio sat back down as the weight of the officer’s words hit her like a freight train. Satisfied that Saio would listen, Kamura continued. “We have set up a bank account in your new name with twenty million yairen. I know this is a lot of money, but I must advise you to live within your means, as any extravagant spending will draw a lot of suspicions that can get back to those who want to harm you.”
Kamura handed out manilla folders to each family member. “These are your new identities and backgrounds. I highly recommend you read through them thoroughly and memorize every last word. They have been carefully constructed to remove any connection you have to the organization of traitors and your old selves. These are the new you. Any contradiction of what has been written here could eventually make its way back to the traitors and put your lives in danger.
“This is insane. This is insane. This is insane!” Saio repeated over and over. “You can’t do this to us! To me! I never did anything wrong.”
“Hinamoto-kan,” Kamura said with a long breath. “I understand this situation seems unfair, but I promise I will do everything in my power to set it right. I need you to trust in me and the Empress to keep you safe.”
Saio searched the officer’s eyes for something of what she wasn’t sure. “Can I at least go to my dorm and get some of my things? I need my notebooks, my textbooks, to say goodbye to Eri…”
“I’m sorry. No.” Kamura sighed. “For all we know right now, they could be waiting for you at your dorm. As well, any personal items you bring will connect you to your old life and could get your identities exposed. In fact, in your rooms on this ship right now is a closet full of clothes. Once you get there, change into something new and give what you are wearing now to officer Yumi Shimada.” Kamura gestured to one of the officers in the room. “She will dispose of them for you. For the duration of your trip, she will be posing as a fellow tourist. I advise you to interact with her as little as possible. She will also be your primary contact in Elenria and will check in on you from time to time. If you ever need anything or suspect your identities may be compromised, she will be the one to talk to.”
The ship’s foghorn blew well loud enough for them to hear below deck. “That’s my cue to leave,” Kamura spoke. “I wish all of you the best, and I will do everything in my power to bring you home as soon as I can. Good luck.” She sighed and began to leave. “Officer Shimada, please show them to their rooms.”
“Kamura-kama?” Yua spoke up for the first time in a while, her voice tired and hoarse.
“Yes?” She spun around, stalling her leave.
“Thank you. For everything.” Yua stood and bowed all the way to the floor. Her beaten body ached, but she stayed on the floor anyway. “I am so sorry.”
“Please get up, Hinamoto-kan.” Kamura asked, crouching down to her level. “You made a mistake, but you have more than made up for it with your recent actions.” Yua picked up her tear-stricken face and met Kamura’s gaze. “Without you, we wouldn’t have anything on this group. Thank you for your service to the Empress and the people of Kumosenkan.” A flash of remembrance washed over Kamura’s face, and she reached into her suit jacket. “Here, this is for you.” She held out an unmarked letter.
Once Yua took the letter, Kamura left. “If you would.” Officer Shimada spoke to the family. “I’ll take you to your rooms now.” As promised, she led them upstairs to the highest deck. Their rooms were right next to each other. They were the most excellent suites the cruise ship had to offer. Yua and Haruto were given a separate room from Saio. Each was the size of a small studio apartment. Fully electrified and with a small kitchenette, including the new fridge by Ael Technologies filled with fresh food.
In Yua’s room, the officer addressed the two parents. “I will be watching over you for the entirety of the voyage and making sure you are safe. If you ever feel unsafe, tell me immediately. If anyone ever questions how you know me, say that we are old neighbors. You three are on an all-expenses paid ticket, which means all the restaurants and events have been prepaid, and you may use them as much as you like, but I’d advise you to stay in your rooms as much as possible. If you need anything at all, ask me. I will be staying in the room exactly opposite yours, and I will answer at all hours of the day and night. Even if it is something as simple as getting something from the ship’s store, I much prefer you ask me to do it than do it yourself.”
As the officer was debriefing the family, the ship began to move. Cheers were heard from outside as people waved goodbye to their families and friends. “I’d also advise against getting to know anyone on the boat. However, it is also important to not act closed off or skittish.”
Again Yua began to cry. Her husband spoke for her. “Thank you, officer. I think we could use a moment alone.”
“Alright, but don’t call me that here. For the duration of this cruise, please just call me Yumi. I’m going to inform your daughter of this.” The officer left the room and went next door to give the same spiel to the daughter before retiring to her own room.
While the two were alone, Yua opened the letter she had been given. It read:
“To Yua Hinamoto,
I know we never met, but my people have kept me well-informed of your exploits. When my officers released you on my word, we promised to protect you. We failed you on that promise. I will do everything within my purview to ensure that we do not fail you again.
I know being sent to Elenria is not an ideal circumstance, but as things stand now, we do not know how far the powers of these traitors extend. I am certain that you will be safe in Kelsun.
What you did initially was wrong. Very wrong. But I, like you, would do anything for my daughter. As a mother, I understand why you did what you did. I’m not sure anyone could blame you.
However, it is what you did after that I find truly incredible. You went above and beyond the call of duty to make up for your wrongdoings. In my eyes, you are a hero. I promise you that because of what you did, I will bring every last one of these traitors to justice, and when I do, you will receive the credit you deserve, including the Order of the Divine Constellations. A medal like that does little to acknowledge the respect you are deserving of, but I hope it can at least be a start.
I will be looking forward to the day that not only do we get to meet but that I get to hang that medal around your neck. I promise that day will come sooner than you think.
With a mound of appreciation,
Empress Shiraori Tetsu Kumo.”
Yua was moved by the letter, and gave her the determination to face her daughter. Yua went next door and let herself in. “Saio? Can we talk?” She carefully prodded upon seeing her daughter entirely collapsed onto the bed, facedown in a pillow.
“It's Anya now.” Anya spat in anger towards her mother. Her voice was now hoarse after an hour of crying in ire.
“A-” Yua hesitated. “Anya. Please, can I talk to you?”
“What could you possibly have to say to me?” Anya’s fury only escalated. “You ruined our lives. My life. For what? Some fucking money?!” She lifted herself and glared at her mom.
“No.” Yua insisted. “No, I didn’t! I didn’t just do it for money.”
“Then what?!” Anya’s eye twitched. “Because that officer said they paid you a lot of fucking money.”
Yua tried to reach out, but Anya pulled back as her face twitched even more. “I… I did it for you.”
“What?” Anya asked, shaking her head. “How is this all for me?!”
Her mother’s cheeks turned bright red as her entire face heated up, and tears began to streak down her face once more. “I- I couldn’t afford to send you to FIT. I was in more debt than I could handle, and I saw no way out. These people they, they offered me a little bit of money at first just to prioritize some documents over others. Which I thought was no big deal until they offered me way more to approve a fraudulent form. I initially said no, but they threatened to expose the deal we already did to IS.”
“You said there was a scholarship,” Anya demanded. “You told me I had nothing to worry about.”
“I…” Again she hesitated, gasping for breath between tears. “I lied.” Once more, her mother was on the floor pleading. “Sa- Anya I am so sorry. I just… I wanted you to have a better life than mine. I wanted the best for you.”
“Then why not let me take out the debt?!” Anya shouted, standing from her bed. “They don’t make you pay it back until a year after you graduate!”
“I didn’t want you to be burdened with that for the rest of your life.” She continued to plead from the ground. “Please forgive me. I know what I did was wrong.”
“Do you know how much starting salaries are for people who graduate from FIT?!” Anya took a step forward, now towering over her mother. “I could have paid it back within a few years!”
“I am so sorry.” She continued to grovel and weep. “Please, I promise my heart was in the right place. I am begging you to forgive me. I’ll do anything.”
“Get out, and leave me the hell alone… Sachiko.”
Every student was a true intellectual who spent most of their waking hours studying, working on projects, and attending classes. The FIT Library study rooms were booked out weeks in advance, and if one wanted one for dead week, they would have to reserve it before the semester even started.
Of course, like all living beings, even FIT students needed to relax. Which was precisely what Eri Kohatsu was pitching to her best friend. She spoke as they walked from the engineering building to the mathematics building on a freshly plowed path. “You have any plans for the weekend?”
After receiving a negative answer, Eri rolled her eyes. “Well, you know Yukie Sonada?”
“The senior RA for our dorm?” Eri’s best friend, Saio Hinamoto, confirmed. “Yeah, I know her.”
“Well, she told me about this really cool coffee bar off campus that all the seniors go to.” Eri’s voice was excited, despite Saio’s nose being still buried in a book as they walked.
“Eri-sen…” Saio looked up from her book and gave a sardonic look toward her friend. “Neither of us is old enough to drink. You only just turned nineteen. Besides,” she continued. “We have an exam in calculus next week. You need to be studying more than anyone in the class.”
“Oh, come on!” Eri cheered and ran in front of her friend to address her. “You’re gonna spend the rest of your life looking at numbers and math. Let's go have some fun. One night won’t kill you.”
“Eri, I said no.” Saio continued the rejection. “Even if I wanted to all the bars even near campus, check IDs. They’d never let us in.”
“They would wiiiiith…” Eri held the note as she dug through her satchel. “These!” She pulled out two pieces of paper and handed one to Saio. They were each Kumosenkan Citizen IDs. They had their names on them, and all the information was correct. Except for their age, both of them were twenty-one, according to these IDs.
“Eri?!” Saio called out in confusion. “Where did you get these?!”
“Let’s just say that someone in the printing department owed me a favor.” Her voice was coy, as was her smile.
Saio was horrified. At least, that’s what she looked like. “Eri. This is illegal. You could go to jail! I could go to jail!”
“It’s a two-thousand Yairen fine at most!” Eri waved it off. “I’ll pay yours if you get caught.”
“What if the school kicks us out for this?” Saio was clearly on the verge of a full-blown freakout. “And you know how I get about tests! I need the weekend to study.”
“That’s exactly why you should go!” Eri pushed and grabbed her friend’s hand. “You’ve spent your entire life studying your brains out, and it has never once helped you. Maybe a night of fun and relaxation and drinking will help you kick that stress and let you ace a test for once!”
Saio pursed her lips and wobbled her head. Eri smiled and pressed further. “Come on. You know everything on that test. I know you know it. You practically helped the entire class with last week's project. Are you seriously going to tell me you need to study?”
She hunched forward and relented. “F- fine.” She rolled her eyes and put the fake ID into her coat pocket.
The two continued on their march to the math building. Oddly enough, there was a line to get in. Two adult women stood at the entrance checking the IDs of every student before letting them in. As soon as Saio and Eri got in line, the adult Black Widow Kumo turned to the other and whispered something, then pointed at Saio.
Saio Hinamoto’s heart jumped into her throat as the two adults abandoned the line and made a beeline straight for her. Eri and Saio stared at each other and panicked. “What do we do?! What do they want?!”
Once they reached the two friends, the Black Widow spoke up. “Saio Hinamoto?”
Her lips twitched as her brain rebooted, trying to answer in a panic. “Y… y… yes?”
“I’m officer Reiri Kamura with the Kumosenkan Internal Security Service. I need you to come with me.” Her voice was excellent, almost calming. But the words caused an absolute panic.
Eri saw her friend freeze entirely, and she grabbed her hand. “A- actually, we’re going to be late for class!” She began to pull Saio’s arm. “Come on, Saio.”
The other of the two adults put up a hand. “Excuse me, Ma’am, we’re talking to Hinamoto-kas. You need to leave. Now.”
Saio’s eyes met with Eri’s, clearly pleading for help. Eri stayed until the woman physically removed her. She mouthed, “I’m sorry.” Before running off into the building.
“Do you have your ID on you?” Officer Kamura asked. Though Saio was still completely frozen. “Hinamoto-kan?” Her voice remained calming. “I need to see your ID.”
For a moment, Saio reached into her coat but stopped herself and changed her target to her satchel. She dug with her violently shaking hands and pulled out her papers. “H… here you go.”
Kamura looked over the paper for a few moments and nodded to her partner. “It’s her.” They shared a look, and Kamura’s face turned stern. “I need you to come with me.” She gestured a hand back the way she had just come.
“I- I uh.” Saio stumbled for words. “Class. My professor- um.”
“We have already informed your professor you won’t be showing up for class today.” The other of the two informed her. “Now please, follow us.”
“N- no I… I need to turn in my homework.” Saio continued to panic and dig through her backpack. She handed her calculus homework to the agents.
“I…?” Kamura, baffled at the paper. “I don’t want this. Listen, Hinamoto-kan. I am not asking anymore. You are coming with us right now.”
“N- no, please!” Saio found her voice and shouted. “I didn’t do anything wrong! I need to go!”
Kamura’s partner held back from rolling her eyes and instead grabbed Saio’s shoulder and began to march her away from the building. Saio hung her head and walked along with the two agents with no more resistance. After a brief ten-minute walk, the group arrived at the school’s only parking lot. Amongst the handful of cars was a luxury vehicle with curtained windows. “Get in.” The partner ordered as Kamura opened the door.
“I’m going I’m going!” She protested and climbed into the back of the vehicle. In the other back seat was yet another woman. A Common House Kumo just like Saio. In fact, this woman could be Saio’s twin if she were twenty years younger. “M… mom? What’s going on?”
Yua Hinamoto, Saio’s mother, looked away, unable to face her own daughter. “Mom what’s happening?!” She almost shouted and reached out her hand and brushed aside some of her hair. Bruises, so many bruises. Hard ones, too, deep purple and red. Every inch of exposed skin was covered in cuts and bruises. “Mom…? What… what happened to you?”
Once the two officers got in the front seats, Saio’s barrage of questions redirected toward them. “Did you do this to her?! What the hell did you do to my mother?!”
Yua grasped her daughter’s hand. “No. No, sweetie, they didn’t do anything to me.” Her voice was low, scratchy, and exhausted. “I’m so sorry.” The car started and began to drive away from the campus.
Saio squeezed her mom’s hand back. “What’s going on Mom?! Who hurt you?!” She took note of her father’s absence and made a leap. “Is dad hitting you?”
An apple-sized nothing caught in Yua’s throat. She shook her head. “No. No sweetie. He’s not involved.” She choked, and tears streamed down her face. “I’m so sorry, Saio. I’m so sorry.”
“Why are you sorry Mom? Please, tell me what’s happening.” The car got onto the eastbound highway and accelerated. Her mom collapsed into her own daughter's chest and began weeping. “Hey!” She again turned to the two officers. “What the hell is going on?!” The two officers didn’t respond in any way and kept their eyes down the road. “Where are we going?!” Again, nothing. “Answer me!” She tried to lean forward and get in their space, but Yua held her daughter back against the seats.
“They’re helping us,” Yua spoke in tears. “Helping me.” She corrected herself with an extremely meek tone.
“Mom, what are you talking about? Helping you with what? We don’t need any help.” Saio asserted while she tried to comfort her mother.
Yua shook her head into her daughter’s stomach. “Mom did get mixed up in something bad. And-”
“Yua.” The stern voice of the driver, Kamura, cut her off. She stared at the mess of a woman through the rearview mirror. “Now’s not the time.”
“Mom, what is she talking about?” Saio continued her confused tirade. “What do you mean now’s not the time?! Please tell me what’s going on, mom.”
A series of unproductive questions continued until the car reached its destination. The Fuyonouso docks. “Get out,” Kamura ordered. Both Yua and Saio obeyed once the officers opened their doors.
“Yua!” A masculine voice called out. Saio turned to see her father flanked by two women dressed similarly to the officers who collected her. “Yua by the spirits, what is going on here?!” He quickly ran to his wife and recoiled in horror upon seeing her so battered. “Wh- what happened to you?! Are you okay?!”
Yua couldn’t muster a response but instead collapsed into a hug placing the burden of her weight onto her husband. “I’m so sorry, Haruto.” Her voice barely broke a whisper as she cried.
“Yua… is this about..?” He asked in a careful whisper and felt his heart sink as his wife nodded into his shoulder. “Fuck…”
“Daddy?” A frightened Saio questioned. “Why are you here too? Do you know what’s going on?”
Haruto gave a pained yet sympathetic look to his daughter. “Oh, Saio.” He reached out an arm to invite her into the hug but was quickly interrupted.
“Follow me.” Officer Kamura ordered them again. Supporting his wife’s weight, Haruto guided Yua along behind Kamura. Saio followed close behind.
She led the family to a large passenger ship, the RMS Asuka. Deep within the bowels of the vessel, a private meeting room had been established. Aside from the family of three, six IS officers, including Kamura. “I don’t have a lot of time to brief you as this ship is leaving within the hour, so I will not be taking any questions.”
That intro set the tone for the meeting, cold. “Yua Hinamoto became involved with an organization of traitors conspiring to commit serious acts of treason against the Empress.” Saio’s head launched in a swivel to stare at her mother, who simply hung her head and stared straight down at the table. “She accepted large sums of money from them to falsify documents within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” Yua again began to weep, and her husband softly patted her back. “A few days ago, Internal Security caught on and brought Yua in for questioning. Once she admitted to her crimes, she agreed to assist Internal security with our investigation into the group. Unfortunately, once she was released, this group immediately captured her and began to interrogate her. This included making threats to harm all of you. We were able to apprehend almost all those involved with Yua Hinamoto-kan’s abduction, but we are certain that this group is still in fighting form. Their threats against all of you are still credible. As a result, Her Highness the Empress has authorized me to give you all new identities and move you somewhere safe until we are able to dismantle this group with one hundred percent confidence that they have been eradicated.”
This flood of new information was overwhelming. Saio could barely think or even move. Her own mother was wrapped up in something like this? For what? “Where are you sending us?” She asked in defiance of the no questions rule.
“Kelsun, Elenria.” Kamura answered while quickly trying to get back on track.
“Elenria?!” Saio shouted. “You’re taking us away from our home and sending us all the way to Elenria?! Surely somewhere closer to home is safe.”
Kamura didn’t answer and just met the gaze of the defiant teenager. “As I was saying. We have backdated a property in your new name in Kelsun to over ten years ago, and we backdated your Enrollment in the Black Citadel Imperial University a year. Now,”
Kamura tried to continue, but Saio interrupted yet again. “Hold on! You can’t talk about this like it's some kind of done deal! Don’t we get any say in this at all?!”
Kamura was getting frustrated, but she was sympathetic to the young girl. Still, she had to remain firm and make her case clear. “Yes, you have a say. You can either do what I tell you or get murdered by an institution of traitors hell-bent on paying back your mother for betraying them.”
Saio sat back down as the weight of the officer’s words hit her like a freight train. Satisfied that Saio would listen, Kamura continued. “We have set up a bank account in your new name with twenty million yairen. I know this is a lot of money, but I must advise you to live within your means, as any extravagant spending will draw a lot of suspicions that can get back to those who want to harm you.”
Kamura handed out manilla folders to each family member. “These are your new identities and backgrounds. I highly recommend you read through them thoroughly and memorize every last word. They have been carefully constructed to remove any connection you have to the organization of traitors and your old selves. These are the new you. Any contradiction of what has been written here could eventually make its way back to the traitors and put your lives in danger.
“This is insane. This is insane. This is insane!” Saio repeated over and over. “You can’t do this to us! To me! I never did anything wrong.”
“Hinamoto-kan,” Kamura said with a long breath. “I understand this situation seems unfair, but I promise I will do everything in my power to set it right. I need you to trust in me and the Empress to keep you safe.”
Saio searched the officer’s eyes for something of what she wasn’t sure. “Can I at least go to my dorm and get some of my things? I need my notebooks, my textbooks, to say goodbye to Eri…”
“I’m sorry. No.” Kamura sighed. “For all we know right now, they could be waiting for you at your dorm. As well, any personal items you bring will connect you to your old life and could get your identities exposed. In fact, in your rooms on this ship right now is a closet full of clothes. Once you get there, change into something new and give what you are wearing now to officer Yumi Shimada.” Kamura gestured to one of the officers in the room. “She will dispose of them for you. For the duration of your trip, she will be posing as a fellow tourist. I advise you to interact with her as little as possible. She will also be your primary contact in Elenria and will check in on you from time to time. If you ever need anything or suspect your identities may be compromised, she will be the one to talk to.”
The ship’s foghorn blew well loud enough for them to hear below deck. “That’s my cue to leave,” Kamura spoke. “I wish all of you the best, and I will do everything in my power to bring you home as soon as I can. Good luck.” She sighed and began to leave. “Officer Shimada, please show them to their rooms.”
“Kamura-kama?” Yua spoke up for the first time in a while, her voice tired and hoarse.
“Yes?” She spun around, stalling her leave.
“Thank you. For everything.” Yua stood and bowed all the way to the floor. Her beaten body ached, but she stayed on the floor anyway. “I am so sorry.”
“Please get up, Hinamoto-kan.” Kamura asked, crouching down to her level. “You made a mistake, but you have more than made up for it with your recent actions.” Yua picked up her tear-stricken face and met Kamura’s gaze. “Without you, we wouldn’t have anything on this group. Thank you for your service to the Empress and the people of Kumosenkan.” A flash of remembrance washed over Kamura’s face, and she reached into her suit jacket. “Here, this is for you.” She held out an unmarked letter.
Once Yua took the letter, Kamura left. “If you would.” Officer Shimada spoke to the family. “I’ll take you to your rooms now.” As promised, she led them upstairs to the highest deck. Their rooms were right next to each other. They were the most excellent suites the cruise ship had to offer. Yua and Haruto were given a separate room from Saio. Each was the size of a small studio apartment. Fully electrified and with a small kitchenette, including the new fridge by Ael Technologies filled with fresh food.
In Yua’s room, the officer addressed the two parents. “I will be watching over you for the entirety of the voyage and making sure you are safe. If you ever feel unsafe, tell me immediately. If anyone ever questions how you know me, say that we are old neighbors. You three are on an all-expenses paid ticket, which means all the restaurants and events have been prepaid, and you may use them as much as you like, but I’d advise you to stay in your rooms as much as possible. If you need anything at all, ask me. I will be staying in the room exactly opposite yours, and I will answer at all hours of the day and night. Even if it is something as simple as getting something from the ship’s store, I much prefer you ask me to do it than do it yourself.”
As the officer was debriefing the family, the ship began to move. Cheers were heard from outside as people waved goodbye to their families and friends. “I’d also advise against getting to know anyone on the boat. However, it is also important to not act closed off or skittish.”
Again Yua began to cry. Her husband spoke for her. “Thank you, officer. I think we could use a moment alone.”
“Alright, but don’t call me that here. For the duration of this cruise, please just call me Yumi. I’m going to inform your daughter of this.” The officer left the room and went next door to give the same spiel to the daughter before retiring to her own room.
While the two were alone, Yua opened the letter she had been given. It read:
“To Yua Hinamoto,
I know we never met, but my people have kept me well-informed of your exploits. When my officers released you on my word, we promised to protect you. We failed you on that promise. I will do everything within my purview to ensure that we do not fail you again.
I know being sent to Elenria is not an ideal circumstance, but as things stand now, we do not know how far the powers of these traitors extend. I am certain that you will be safe in Kelsun.
What you did initially was wrong. Very wrong. But I, like you, would do anything for my daughter. As a mother, I understand why you did what you did. I’m not sure anyone could blame you.
However, it is what you did after that I find truly incredible. You went above and beyond the call of duty to make up for your wrongdoings. In my eyes, you are a hero. I promise you that because of what you did, I will bring every last one of these traitors to justice, and when I do, you will receive the credit you deserve, including the Order of the Divine Constellations. A medal like that does little to acknowledge the respect you are deserving of, but I hope it can at least be a start.
I will be looking forward to the day that not only do we get to meet but that I get to hang that medal around your neck. I promise that day will come sooner than you think.
With a mound of appreciation,
Empress Shiraori Tetsu Kumo.”
Yua was moved by the letter, and gave her the determination to face her daughter. Yua went next door and let herself in. “Saio? Can we talk?” She carefully prodded upon seeing her daughter entirely collapsed onto the bed, facedown in a pillow.
“It's Anya now.” Anya spat in anger towards her mother. Her voice was now hoarse after an hour of crying in ire.
“A-” Yua hesitated. “Anya. Please, can I talk to you?”
“What could you possibly have to say to me?” Anya’s fury only escalated. “You ruined our lives. My life. For what? Some fucking money?!” She lifted herself and glared at her mom.
“No.” Yua insisted. “No, I didn’t! I didn’t just do it for money.”
“Then what?!” Anya’s eye twitched. “Because that officer said they paid you a lot of fucking money.”
Yua tried to reach out, but Anya pulled back as her face twitched even more. “I… I did it for you.”
“What?” Anya asked, shaking her head. “How is this all for me?!”
Her mother’s cheeks turned bright red as her entire face heated up, and tears began to streak down her face once more. “I- I couldn’t afford to send you to FIT. I was in more debt than I could handle, and I saw no way out. These people they, they offered me a little bit of money at first just to prioritize some documents over others. Which I thought was no big deal until they offered me way more to approve a fraudulent form. I initially said no, but they threatened to expose the deal we already did to IS.”
“You said there was a scholarship,” Anya demanded. “You told me I had nothing to worry about.”
“I…” Again she hesitated, gasping for breath between tears. “I lied.” Once more, her mother was on the floor pleading. “Sa- Anya I am so sorry. I just… I wanted you to have a better life than mine. I wanted the best for you.”
“Then why not let me take out the debt?!” Anya shouted, standing from her bed. “They don’t make you pay it back until a year after you graduate!”
“I didn’t want you to be burdened with that for the rest of your life.” She continued to plead from the ground. “Please forgive me. I know what I did was wrong.”
“Do you know how much starting salaries are for people who graduate from FIT?!” Anya took a step forward, now towering over her mother. “I could have paid it back within a few years!”
“I am so sorry.” She continued to grovel and weep. “Please, I promise my heart was in the right place. I am begging you to forgive me. I’ll do anything.”
“Get out, and leave me the hell alone… Sachiko.”