Across Alden, Persetta's night life bustled more than Riche's. Memento's headquarters glowed from the lining of lanterns outside, letting the phoenix flag remain visible even in the darkest of times.
Maro sat alone in his quarters with a cup of spiced tea, steam curling between his fingers. He sighed, easing into his chair. The door creaked before him.
Maro didn't look up, he knew.
"You would be the only person that enters without knocking," he started, a faint smile forming on his face.
"Yeah, my bad. I'm rude like that," Tona joked as he entered. His coat was dusted with dirt, and a few blood stains that hadn't been cleaned yet. Maro's eyes glanced at them.
Tona noticed. "Oh, those. Not mine, don't worry."
Maro shook his head, and folded his hands. The steamy cup of tea sat beside him.
"I thought I told you not to engage."
Tona sat down in front of Maro—posture relaxed but listening.
"You did," he answered.
"...But you did it anyway," Maro said, eyes meeting Tona's. The violet irises were beautiful, and resembled the color of his Solena.
"I did."
Maro sighed, lowering his head to the table. "You were trying to protect them weren't you?"
Tona gave a faint nod. "Hail squad was cornered. Shintaro and Hideki were seconds from being listed on the casualty reports."
Maro swirled his tea. Before he could talk, Tona continued.
"I made a promise, Maro. You know that."
Maro returned his gaze to Tona. "I'm not mad at Tona. I couldn't be. I'm upset at the disregard you have for your life when it comes to others."
Tona eyes lowered, a rare moment of sensibility.
"You're the one person the APC doesn't know how to handle—they can't. You're the biggest threat in recorded history…"
"I can't just let people die—I won't," he said softly.
Maro sat back in his seat, his arms behind his head now. "I don't want you to. I want you to know that without you—there is no us Tona."
He froze at that. The words struck deep.
"Maro…" Tona started, rising from his chair. His hands went through his hair.
"Since that day—since Yuki died, since she placed her hand on my cheek and told me to keep smiling… I promised myself. I said that no one—not a damn soul would die on my watch."
He clenched his fist, and turned to the door. His head tilted back to Maro so that only one eye was visible—a piercing violet filled with determination.
"That includes you, old man. If you ever needed me to… I'd walk through hell for you."
He stepped out the same door he came without another word. Maro stared after him, allowing a smile onto his lips.
"What the hell am I supposed to do with him," he managed, before a small chuckle.
His thoughts flooded with memories of younger Tona. A large smile followed.
"How far you've grown, boy. A fine young man. Never change, Tona Norasachi," he whispered to himself. "Never change."