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. You have my attention.

YN   And, reluctantly, 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   …I also enjoy being alone while doing so.

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   Hmph.

Her visible eye narrows, as if 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   How is that? Safety from interlopers!

YN   Such as yourself?

Ah.

TN   I can fan you, if you are overheated!

YN   The breeze is fine.

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

YN   …

TN   I can, umm… clean your shoes?

YN   I suppose that will do.

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

TN   Ah - give me a moment to fetch some polish -

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.

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

TN   Heh…

TN   Of course.

TN   An excellent choice, princess.

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.

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

TN   That is why I thought to visit.

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

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.