It had been weeks since Tsuki had first spoken to Chiumali.
In that time, Memento's victories had brought back Judgment Squad for much needed time off and rest. Between the rebuilding efforts and quiet days in Persetta, Tsuki and the others trained under Tona—each session pushing their Solena control further than they thought possible.
Persetta was flickering with new life. The calmness of the war near the region brought a time of prosperity. With the new allies of Zimala and Jon, Persetta's economy was growing with each day.
Now, Tsuki walked the same paths that her Memento journey began. Instead, cracked paths and worn down walls were now patched. Lush greenery—Viora trees, Sweet Pines, and the vibrant fiery oaks now trimmed and presentable. The fresh scent of incense flowed through the crisp air, blending with the smell of baked bread from a local bakery.
Market stalls were opened along the cobbled streets, manned by calloused hands that now found purpose. Neighbors greeted each other with glimpses of light in their eyes.
Downtown, the rebuilt Memento headquarters towered proudly, its flag—a phoenix over Solena's ring—fluttered in the breeze.
Tsuki wandered through the city. She pulled her hood back slightly, letting the cool breeze brush her face. Her eyes swayed to the looming cliffs in which she had jumped off not too long ago.
"It all still feels so new," she said softly, a smile forming on her face. "Even so, the district's growth proves time has passed."
She passed a narrow alley where little kids played pretend—clumsily mimicking stances and move names. Tsuki's heart swelled when she spotted a child crouched behind a crate. The young girl wore a mask, and an unmistakable one at that.
A vertical line splitting the dark of shadows, and the white of light. Hers.
Tsuki stepped closer with a smile tugging at her lips. "Hey there Shadow."
The girl turned quick, and her eyes grew wide in excitement. "H-Huh?! No way… NO WAY!"
She turned without a word, nearly tripping as she yelled for her friends' attention.
"Guys! It's her! It's really
Shadow!"
Tsuki laughed and knelt down, exchanging fist bumps with the children. Awe and admiration filled their faces.
"You all stay out of trouble, alright? That's an order," she said, still chuckling.
The girl pumped her fist in the air. "Yes ma'am! I'm gonna be the next Shadow!"
Tsuki's smile faded into something softer—touched, but also burdened. She gave a final wave before she moved on.
Her wandering continued without aim. Across the cobbled street, two boys sparred with sticks.
"I activate the Second Gate of Alden… Reflect!" The first kid exclaimed. His hand rose in front of him, clearly producing a large Solena shield.
"Ahh! I'm flying backwards! Noo!" Yelled the other. He collapsed dramatically on the ground before giggling.
Tsuki only snorted as the scene played out. She whispered to herself, "Tona's got Persetta wrapped around his finger. Posters, stickers, even Ghost merchandise… His fanclubs gonna riot the day he smiles at them."
She paused her thought as a newly opened boutique caught her line of sight. The soft reds and silvers of the dresses gleamed in the afternoon sun.
"Well, a little shopping never hurt."
Later, Tsuki left the store, buried in shopping bags. She picked a few outfits, but her favorite was the dark onyx—go figure. She walked awkwardly down the street like a lopsided festival float.
"A month's salary gone," she muttered, "but these dresses are too damn cute."
A familiar voice rang out from the air behind her.
"Hey Tsuki!" The voice called.
She turned mid-struggle to see Geo jogging up, hands tucked in his pockets. "Geo! What're you doing here?"
Geo's face flushed a bit. "Just killing time before the briefing. Figured I'd explore some."
He squinted across the road at a small corner restaurant with tables spilling into the street. His eyes turned back to Tsuki, his face somehow more pink than before.
"Food? You? Me? Sounds like destiny, right?"
"Wow, romantic and efficient. What a pitch," Tsuki teased.
Geo only shrugged, a sharp grin crossed his face. "I try. My treat?"
"If you insist," she replied. The warmth of the moment brought an easing peace.
The two ducked into the eatery, tucking themselves into an isolated booth. For a few hours, they let the world melt away.
After dinner, Tsuki and Geo wandered back on Persetta's streets, the world softened by the lowering sun. Golden light washed over rooftops as the smell of sweet pine and spice drifted from open windows. Families bustled inside their homes, and the cliffside in the distance glowed warmly. Side by side, the two walked in an easy silence, the peace of the moment settling between them as they made their way to the briefing.
In front of them loomed Memento's newly constructed headquarters—a proud, angular structure of stone and steel. At its peak flew a flag that rippled with purpose.
The Phoenix with wings spread wide and a golden circle encircling it, Memento's symbol, was printed on the flag. It was more than cloth. It was a rebirth, and a promise of revolution.
Geo closed in on the door and reached for the knob. As he pulled it open, he gave a mocking bow.
"After you, Shadow."
Tsuki smirked and stepped inside. The interior wasn't finished yet—bare walls, exposed beams—but it was a far cry from the tents they used to plan in. A rich red carpet lined the main corridor guiding them towards the heart of operations: The Wartable Room.