Verisimilitude (GI Various x Reader)

Chapter Forty-Five

        "I see, so Kujou Sara stayed her hand. It would appear she still has some honor to her. As for Shikanoin Heizou... He seems to have his own way of doing things- not the easiest person to get along with at the very least. I think we should give him a wide berth. Kujou Sara on the other hand... I wonder if we should try establishing contact with her... Perhaps we could coax out some information." Thoma notes after Lumine and I relayed everything that'd happened while we were out. Ayaka shakes her head with a frown.

"Unlikely. Don't forget, Kujou Sara is also carrying out the Vision Hunt Decree. She obeys the orders of the Raiden Shogun without question. In her eyes, Master Masakatsu is of no threat to the decree. This is why she was so willing to allow his escape. If our true motives were ever divulged, she would act against us without a second thought." Thoma hums, a thoughtful expression in his eyes

"True... Though if you ask me, Master Masakatsu's release is an unexpected blessing. We are now one step closer to victory... and we couldn't have done it without Yoimiya, Lumine, and (Y/N)!" Thoma grins with a chuckle. "Hehe, you're turning out to be even more reliable than we expected."

"Thanks for the compliment." Lumine thanks. Paimon shares a smile with Lumine.

"Hee-hee, don't mention it." My eyes narrow, a playful quip conjuring in my head.

"Oh? So you doubted us, Thoma?" I ask, corner of my lips turned up in a playful smirk. Thoma blinks in shock, taking the accusation seriously.

"What? I would never doubt you or the Traveler, (Y/N)!" I couldn't keep the act up any longer.

"I was just kidding, Thoma! I wasn't serious. I think Lumine and Paimon are pretty reliable as well. They're the best traveling companions I could have ever asked for." Paimon gasps and awes.

"Really? Paimon thinks this might be the first time she's heard you say that!" Huh? I thought to myself for a moment, trying to recall if I'd previously mentioned how thankful I was for both Paimon and Lumine.

"Huh... I think you're right, Paimon. I'm sorry I hadn't said something sooner. Both you and Lumine are the only ones I could ever see myself traveling with..." And as much as I look forward to the day all of our problems are solved... it would also mean that this journey will have ended. I wonder what will lie beyond this journey? A wistful smile finds its way to my lips.

"And I mean that, truly." Lumine takes my hand into her own, squeezing gently.

"I couldn't agree more, (Y/N)." She proclaims. I'm reminded of the prophetic dream I had the previous night and the memory of it just reminds me of the burning decision I have to make.

To tell Lumine about it or not.

Ayaka's voice fills my ears.

"Indeed, things may have turned out very differently this time without the help of both of you. But if we wish to mount any sizable resistance against the Vision Hunt Decree... there is still much to be done. It is time we make ready our next set of plans..." Ayaka states. Thoma has a different idea, it seems.

"There's no need to rush, milady. Things seem to have taken a turn for the better, at least. Not only have we rescued Master Masakatsu, but our list of allies appears to be growing. Ah yes, which reminds me... The Tenryou Commission seems to be making preparations for a "celebration"... They call it a "ceremony" of sorts. And the number of samurai out enforcing the Vision Hunt Decree seems to be waning. The days ahead may be more peaceful than usual." A ceremonial celebration?

"A "ceremony," you say? Why would such a task be left to the Tenryou Commission?" Ayaka asks Thoma. Thoma shakes his head, knowing just about as much as Ayaka does.