The Knights Himura

#33: Into the Dark

"You sure you wanna do this?" Haruka asked.

"She has to." Sylvie interrupted.

"I promised I would." Tsukiko proudly responded.

"Still, this isn't a game. You might feel invincible now, but you'd better watch out. This is some deep shit." Haru looked into Tsuki's eyes.

They once again sat in a huddle around a table in Aurelia's shop. Different fabrics lined the walls, as if everyday she discovered some new stock to sell. Still, it seemed different.

The feeling of confusion and unfamiliarity had died down. They could all finally feel comfortable within this strange place. Aurelia and Claudia weren't around, yet their presence could definitely was felt.

"I'm already in deep shit, aren't I?" Tsuki laughed to herself.

"They'll attack you on the streets." Haruka urged.

"They already do."

"Yeah, the Shakudos kinda declared war on her a while ago. They even tried to attack Shizuka, remember?" Sylvie frowned.

"Almost forgot. I guess we're all in this now, huh?" Haruka sighed.

"Mhmm."

"We need to settle this now anyways. The more people we have, the quicker we can end this. How long before we run into another knife wielding lunatic?" Tsuki had a tough look on her face.

"...I've got nothing to worry about." Haruka smiled.

"What're you talking about?" Tsuki responded defensively.

"You sound like a Knight. It's been a while since I've heard anyone talk like that."

Tsuki shook her head. "I sound like myself."

"You were born to be one, after all. I got scared of you joining Shizuka and I, but now I know you'll be fine." Haruka hesitantly admitted.

"Lame." Sylvie groaned.

"You don't get it, Sylvie. It's been a while since I've talked to my only sister, so I need to savor it. I'm just stopping to smell the roses." Haruka's tone meandered up and down.

"You've smelled enough flowers already." Sylvie complained.

"Oh, how's your rose garden?" Haruka turned to Tsukiko.

"They're such a bright red this time of year." Tsukiko grinned mischievously.

Sylvie grit her teeth. "Quit it!"

"Oh sorry." Tsuki apologized with a toothy grin.

Sylvie began to explain. "Anyways, I don't think any of us had any say in this matter to begin with. Seems like the Shakudos have always had it out for us from the start."

"...did they mug me and Fumi cuz I'm related to the Knights?" Tsuki's hands fidgeted.

"Murder's bad for business, Tsuki." Haruka shook her head.

"But they had a Damascene mask." Tsuki's hand made a fist.

"And?" Haruka asked.

"Did they do it to make Sylvie's gang look bad?"

Sylvie shook her head. "No. Even if they did it to target you, you're only the sister of a Knight Himura. Hurting innocent people puts the cops on alert. It's bad for business. You ever watch a crime drama?"

"Does playing crime drama video games count?" Tsuki raised her hand.

"Only if you paid attention to the cutscenes." Haruka spoke in monotone.