YN   ...hmph.

YN   It's you.

You feel your face light up as you approach her, careful to maintain your footing on the shingles.

TN   You... remember me?

YN   Yes.

YN   How could I forget those family eyebrows?

TN   Heh heh, yes! The emblem of all Zhous.

TN   I know you are more familiar with the eldest, yet...

TN   It warms my heart that you recall me as well.

YN   Regretably, you have my attention.

YN   And my compliments, for getting up here unnoticed.

TN   Thank you!

TN   Heh, zipping around at the -

You try your most confident pose only to nearly trip on a stray pebble. You gulp as it tumbles down to the streets below. Falling... would not be a good look for you.

TN   Zipping around at the speed of sound - that’s my specialty, princess!

TN   If I so chose, I wouldn't be spotted anywhere the breeze takes me!

TN   But I am fortunate to be seen by you.

TN   And, it is fortunate that I had spotted you, up here!

You look out at the vast city before you. All the hustle and bustle - it almost calls to you as much as the wind itself.

TN   Rather hidden, isn't it?

TN   I didn’t imagine you to spend your time on, er, roofs.

YN   I enjoy the view.

TN   Yes, it is quite beautiful from up here.

TN   But wouldn't you prefer a nice deck area?

TN   I'm sure the seating arrangements would be preferable, heh.

YN   As I said - I enjoy the view.

She gives you a meaningful look.

YN   Comfort in exchange for solitude.

YN   Wouldn't you agree?

Sweat starts to form at the back of your neck. You must convince her, post-haste!

TN   A-Ah, but I’m sure that many have not had the opportunity to join you.

TN   So, permit me the rare and indelible privilege...

TN   Of keeping you company, princess!

TN   I'm sure my presence will only better this magnificent visage.

YN   Are you sure about that?

Her visible eye narrows in challenge. You chuckle nervously.

TN   That isn't the only advantage I offer!

TN   I am a Tian of many skills, after all.

TN   I can… protect you from any ruffians who try to get up here and disturb you!

TN   My martial arts skills are nothing to sneeze at.

TN   How is that? Safety from interlopers!

YN   Interlopers.

YN   Such as yourself?

Ah.

TN   Another boon!

TN   I can fan you, if you are overheated!

TN   This city... yes, it can be rather suffocating, can't it?

TN   You may not know this, but if I sprint quickly enough, I can generate an impressive -

YN   That won't be necessary.

YN   Sprint yourself away and cease your badgering.

Oh dear.

TN   Ah, b-but I would be remiss if I didn't lay out the extent of my skills!

TN   I can - er - I can describe the various routes I take around the city!

TN   I can catch anything you throw out at the distance!

TN   I can, umm… clean your shoes?

YN   …

YN   I suppose that will do.

You give your best winning smile. Another victory through wit and perseverance!

TN   Ah - yes, of course!

TN   Permit me a moment to fetch some polish from the -

YN   No, you clown.

You freeze, mid-turn. Had she not spoken up, you would've been half-way to the nearest department store, by now.

YN   What you said about your routes.

YN   Some secondhand reconnaissance would be useful enough to justify your presence.

YN   I don't need anything else from you.

Your other foot, which was in the air, slowly rests back onto the ground.

TN   Heh…

TN   Of course.

TN   An excellent choice, princess.

TN   You can rely on me.

You bow and sit at a respectful distance from her. Then, you look out to the city. Candy Apple Metro - what a sight to behold. Even in the dim evening light, you can start to see the streets below light up with every spectrum in the world. It makes the quiet darkness above feel like a separate world.

TN   I have visited here many times, when I worked in delivery.

YN   Delivery?

TN   A postal worker, princess!

TN   Yes, there were no mailpersons that matched my speed.

TN   And, better yet, I've always had a firm grasp on my geography!

TN   All the alleyways, local roads - they are my domain.

TN   That is why I thought to visit.

TN   This city is littered with all kinds of stray paths, known only to the localest locals.

TN   Heh heh.

TN   You... also take an interest in this place?

She looks out to the view. The wind is whipping your hair wildly, but hers flows like honey around her. As if she has complete power over it, and what it will do to her.

YN   My duties align with many places.

You swallow, then look out once more. The duties of a Chakrabarti must be extensive, indeed. If it's anything like that of the Zhous - which it may be, if the whispers during your academy years had anything to say about it - you know exactly how it feels. And how thrilling it is to detach yourself, even for a moment, and revel in the wind's freedom.

TN   If there is any way I can alleviate what weighs you, princess,

TN   You can tell me.

TN   A sight like this... is best enjoyed with a light heart.

She scoffs, but there's less bite to it this time.

YN   Only I can take care of that.

She pats down the front of her black dress. It's a striking outfit, one that helps her blend right into the shadows. If you remember, she didn't wear ensembles like this back at the academy. They matched the preppy formality of Vera - at least, Vera before senior year. When everyone decided not to get along, you recall morosely.

It almost reminds you of a funeral gown. You wish you had the courage to ask her what she could be mourning. But all you can summon are the same honeyed words.

TN   You are as stunning as I remember, princess.

TN   Even if this area is cast in darkness,

TN   I was still drawn to your light.

YN   ...

YN   Huhu. If it were any other time, that sort of praise would be welcome

YN   But I didn't intend to be seen.

YN   You're lucky I didn't have my blade at the ready.

TN   Bl-blade??

YN   This remains between us.

YN   You won't speak of this encounter with me. Do you understand?

TN   Y-yes, of course!

TN   You have my word, princess.

TN   To share a secret with you... is a privilege, surely.