19

Melodic Whispers

Pacing down the staircase, Kaito was both excited and unprepared for the training. Unaware of when the mission’s details were revealed, he dragged his attention to the exquisite detailing of the spiral wall.

“I just want to be double sure that you’ll tell us about the mission, right?” Kaito followed behind Neoma, appreciating the tranquil aroma. “I realised Akira and Amari didn’t tell us much on the way here.”

Arriving on the fourth floor, right below where the throne room resided, the trio caught a glimpse of the squad waiting outside the dining room. Kaito, stepping onto the polished tile, was rather relieved to see the moonlight's reflection and the vibrant windows—something absent in the sealed top floor.

“Of course, we’ll conclude the night with the details of said mission, what rewards we offer, and a short training lesson.” Sister Luisa listed, flipping through a small notebook—the words in it looking like a bunch of scribbles.

Neoma, still silent, took a few more deep breaths, her eyes shut.

“Does each member get their own reward, or is it for the whole team?” 

“Individually, of course. It’s the least we can do.”

“So hypothetically, if I were to ask for money, is there a range I should know about?” He guided his eyes away nervously, smacking his lips.

“Please take any amount above ten billion and nothing less, please.” She waved her hand dismissively as if the declared amount were only pennies. “Especially in this case, due to the time it’ll take.”

“Wait, ten billion?!” His jaw dropped, the number hitting the brakes before it blew his mind.

Lunar Province didn't measure wealth the way other kingdoms did; instead, the overflow of riches, resources, and income made it the richest kingdom, unrivalled by the rest.

“Preferably, in gold or platinum, but if there’s any specific currency, or even material, please ask away.” She lightly tapped Neoma’s shoulders, smirking mischievously. "You know how reserves are."

Halfway to the dining room, Kaito noticed that the squad was unaware of their approach; instead, busy talking to Amira and Akira.

"Why so much though?" He asked, the castle as dormant as its queen.

"No price is too big as long as our majesty is safe." Sister Luisa continued, her tone losing its colour.

"Luna or Neoma?" Nervous, Kaito glanced at Neoma before returning his focus forward.

In the midst of their conversation, Neoma looked down and grabbed hold of her trembling hand—calming her nerves.

"That's right, now that you know, do not tell anyone else about Luna." She turned around in a flash, pointing at him.

“Question, Kaito.” Neoma, still facing forward as they continued their stroll, whispered hesitantly. “After tomorrow’s mission, I was wondering if you’re interested in making time to continue our conversation.”

“About what?” Narrowing his eyes in curiosity, he gradually picked up his pace, hoping to reunite with his team quickly.

“Is it so bad I want to get to know you better?” Somewhat flustered by her own words, she turned ever so slightly to her side. “Just a few more questions I have.”

“Yeah, sure.” He rested his arms behind his head, returning his attention to the rest of his squad.

Sister Luisa stopped a few feet in front of the rest of Kaito’s group. “Okay, your majesty, we’re here.” 

“Hey, guys, how are you all doing?” He cheered, waving his hands like an excited student. 

As the two groups formed into one, the echoes from the footsteps diluted, allowing the hallway to take a breather.

“What took you so long?” Elena scratched underneath her eyebrow, closing her eyes in bleary disapproval. 

“He definitely got lost along the way.” Souta rolled his eyes, guiding his face away from his direction, half playfully and mildly.

“You had us worried, Kaito. So please refrain from doing that too often.” Aki added, taking a disappointed sigh.

“He still didn’t tell us what he went to do.” Jolting his attention back at Kaito, Souta drove his hands through the space between in a fit.

“I apologise for the interruption, but please allow me to get into the details now.” Neoma stepped in between the two, putting on another well-made smile. “As I’m sure my loyal secretaries informed you, this will be a mission that spans over a few days but rewards handsomely.” 

“I mean no offence, but as a reminder, I ask that you take us home if we’re not fond of the mission’s details.” Aki stepped out from behind Souta, closing the distance.

“Of course, don’t you worry.” She replied, clapping her hands together. “Regarding the very mission, it was originally just one request, but due to unforeseen circumstances, there’s one more small part to it, if that’s fine with you.” 

Neoma redirected her hands around her skirt hurriedly, grabbed a crumbled piece of paper, and passed it to Sister Luisa—nodding scantily.

“Fine by us.” Elena crossed her arms with zeal as Amira and Akira made their way beside Neoma.

“All we ask is for you, squad 178, to retrieve a few more missing capsules and temporary assistance against a single raider, both taking place during the upcoming days.” In her regal posture, hands together, Neoma faced them formally.

"Again, I mean no disrespect, but you still haven’t explained why one of the strongest kingdoms needs assistance from a rookie team like us.” Aki sighed, glancing between the secretaries, Sister Luisa, and her.

“That’s due to most of our forces being busy on other missions.” She affirmed, gesturing her paired hands together.

“What about the Sisters who were in those military uniforms?” His tone, reluctant, caught the mild attention of Elena and Kaito.

“All clones are inexperienced with Remrin, no matter what section they serve.” Her knotted hands lowered, her elbows by her waist, presenting herself to the brilliant windows—a peek from the moon's admiration.

Cloned Sisters were built for precision as long as their source of Mana was close by—their majesty, Luna. The further they wandered, the weaker their output—unless near an unborn capsule or in great numbers.

“Then why not Amira & Akira?” His tone grew quicker, partially falling into confusion.

“They just departed for one as well; thus, they’re not here.” Keeping her demeanour strong, she continued to answer his questions swiftly.

“And this is to retrieve another few capsules?” In disbelief at her rapid replies, Aki began to slow down.

“Yes, first thing tomorrow morning.” She nodded in confirmation, taking a sigh of relief when Souta regained his position from Aki.

“I don’t know about you all, but I really want to get started on the whole Lunar Province experience.” He whined impatiently, groaning dramatically.

He’s the last person I thought to be impatient, Kaito thought, raising his judgmental eyes.

“I must say I agree with the idiot for once.” Twisting her hips, Elena stretched her arms.

“Then let us get started.” Neoma turned to her secretary. “Akira, if you may?”

“It’s been a bit over three hours.” Amira sighed, resting her hand on Akira sluggishly. 

Akira took out a rift, holding it firmly as she approached the squad, twisting a button on the top. “And set, brace yourselves.” 

"Wait, what's going on?" Souta shouted, taking a step forward nervously.

“The biggest room in the entire castle.” Neoma waved her hand as Akira tossed the rift towards them, its light blaring through the cylinder glass. "See you guys there.

The tiny flash of light swallowed them like candy, leaving behind only a few faint shimmers of light, and within a second, the four had vanished into thin air. Watching the illumiscent shards levitate around the area until they vanished, Neoma and her fellow Lunarians paused for a second.

“Alright, let us catch up to them.” Sister Luisa brushed the faint particles off her shoulders, turning towards the distant staircase, beginning her gentle stroll.

“Do you three finally mind telling me what happened?” Neoma crossed her arms, taking a disappointed sigh. “I mean, seriously, that information was supposed to be given a while ago."

“Ruby and Power had trouble navigating Remrin city, your majesty.” Amira shrugged her hands as she slowly began to follow Sister Luisa.

“Also, Aki was getting out of hand with his questions while you and Kaito were upstairs.” Following in pursuit, Akira added with a tint of mildness. "So lying now rather than before felt correct."

“We’ve lied to them more than enough, so I just find this slightly irritating." Luna, last but not least, began her stroll towards the hollow staircase and past the many royal aesthetics. "Especially because the Esperanza still owes the Kijomi clan a great debt.”

Sister Luisa and Amira stopped in front of the stairs, looking back at them.

“Don’t worry, we promise we’ll be back on track in no time,” Akira commented, putting her fists together in confident celebration.

Then, as the four regrouped, all still, standing before the frigid breeze.

Neoma took a deep breath, shooting them a sideways glare.

“Luna’s asleep,” She whispered, taking a deep breath beneath the creeping sensation.

With everyone unwilling to speak, the three of them froze, looking at Neoma for guidance.

“No way, at this time, really?” Akira broke the silence, her tone low compared to her usual banter.

Neoma, brushing a strand of her hair, lifted her leg towards the stairs. “I was shocked too, a bit scared if I’m being honest.”

Noticing her desire to continue on their way, the others pushed through the nerve-wracking silence and headed up the staircase.

“Could it have to do with Kaito?” Leading the way, Sister Luisa commented.

“Perhaps, I mean, he is the wielder of the Vigour Husk and son of Kazai,” Akira added, behind her, and stretched her wrists. 

Arriving on the floor below, the third floor, the group steadied their pace, getting closer to one another.

“Those are important, sure, but it’s most likely something bigger.” Neoma’s spine shivered, the result of watching shadows from the windows.

“What could that possibly be?” Akira, bewildered by the revelation, glanced back at Neoma, who remained at the back.

“Remember when I went to refresh my memories this morning?” She halted, glaring at the spotless tiles, rumoured by Sisters that polished reflections could alert you of nearby spirits, with anxious eyes.

Sister Luisa heard the absence of footsteps behind and stopped as well, turning around to see if everything was alright.

“What is it, your majesty?” She grabbed hold of her wife’s hand, gesturing for her to pause, nervous as a meerkat. 

“I hate to say her name, but it might have to do with…” Neoma swallowed her fear, clenching her fists in desperation. “...Facalor.”