The streamy mess glistened with fright and confusion. Yuki didn't know that these tears were even possible. It was quite a different feeling than what she'd come to expect.

Yuki just felt disappointed. Not an ounce of relief was found… It was so strange! The drawer beside her was tipped over… Yuki's holoport was visible, Yukino Izumi Geminorum-Ryzaku…

She sat quietly, legs tucked in beside the television in Eliza's suite. Her typically quick and jumpy attitude was mismatched, perhaps replaced.

All she could think of was her brother's own words. Dammit! It was just something Yuki couldn't shrug off. She shrugged off bad grades, spite, and anger but… this was something different.

Looking up, she was warded by two of Kazuki's guards, one stood guard by the wall and the other was seated. Uh... the blonde one was there, Václavos, and the other one… Black haired one. Yuki doesn't know her name.

Though what good was it?! Knowing that won't fix anything! She kept still in her position, sulking it up. Her brooch was on the floor. The aura lured her closer. But she knows she can't pick it up.

"Why did he have to say that?" she muttered to herself. The young woman's mind was torn to shreds.

The shifting of phase plates at the door had Yuki spooked for a second, but she relented in her fears. Is it... Kazuki? Did her brother come back to apologise? Yeah, it has to be! It must be him! Her face brightened at the opportunity!

Two pairs of footsteps came into the room. It was lighter than Kazuki's steps. Her face immediately soured.

Yuki turned her head up again, seeing Eliza. She was followed by a guard. He was massive! Woah...

Eliza turned to Kazuki's guards. "What are you all here for?" she snapped. The snapping of her voice shook Yuki just a bit. The blonde one cleared his throat and gestured to Yuki.

Turning to Yuki. Eliza let off a confused mumble. Yuki hid her face, digging them deeper into her arms.

"Yuki?" she asked, her voice quivering. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh... I..." Yuki trailed off. She had no good excuse. Should she tell Eliza what happened with Kazuki? She should, right?! Right? "Sorry... I think I should go."

"No..." Eliza said, with a firm grip. Oh no… Yuki's breathing got heavier, and she felt her chest burst in movement. She didn't want to talk! She didn't want to ruin Kaz and Liz's friendship! "Nihara... Václavos... what happened here?"

Václavos shrugged, he looked quite beat up... Those drones did a number on him, Yuki thought. "No clue... Went from medical to here and Nihara was already here so uh..."

"Nihara?" Eliza continued.

The female guard looked at Yuki. She might be looking for confirmation. Yuki didn't know whether to give it. She merely looked back down, burying her head into her legs. Hiccups came up from her stomach. She felt unable to speak… if she spoke - she'll cry. And if that happens then there's no hiding it!

Yuki didn't want to ruin it all, even if her brother was mean to her.

Nihara turned back to the rest. "Yuki had an argument with her brother," she said plain and simple. "I... won't tell of the details."

"No..." Yuki said. Her voice was muffled. She glanced up for a moment. "It's... alright. There's nothing I can do 'bout it... Just a minor disagreement, alright?! Don't start hating him, alright?!"

"Are you sure?" asked the one that Eliza referred to as 'Nihara'. She stared at Yuki with a calm but silent face, light blue eyes sparkling at her cyan stars. Then, Nihara nodded, shifting ajar to face away.

Yuki felt their eyes pierce through her skull once more… Ow… Her memory hurts, barely able to think straight, nor remember straight… Clearly? Yuki gave a small nod, feeling pressured to do so.

Eliza, Václavos and the other big guard simply looked at her, before their eyes turned towards Nihara.

She cleared her throat. "Kazuki told her that she... meant nothing to him. That she isn't his sister," she said. Nihara had a difficult time spitting the words out. "If I wager my check, it's… probably something only he understands."

"I don't care what he thinks," Eliza stated. The violence and vigour in her voice shook Yuki awake. Did Eliza just say what Yuki thinks she said? "I lost my sister… You don't… He's wrong."

Huh? Was… Oh no… Yuki had just ruined it all! Once more! Every attempt to get her brother to just be a normal brother has always ended in failure… Who could have seen that coming?

"No... No..." Yuki started. "It's... me that was wrong, I kept treating him like he was just my brother. I didn't know he... The news shocked me when I heard what he did."

Eliza looked at her pitifully. Walking over, she knelt in front of her. "Same here... I thought he was just a grumpy and injured guy... but everything changed. He wasn't the person I thought he was."

"I know," Yuki said. Her tears continued to roll down. Speaking became harder... She choked on her words continuously, hiccups and gasps stopping her after each third word. "I thought we could just be normal siblings. I ignored the elephant... the big thingy... that thing. He's a mercenary... I ignored it!"

"It's his fault," said Eliza. "He should have made things clearer to you, you are family after all."

Yuki shook her head. "That's not it! I... I know he's family, but he isn't treated like family! I... Mother and father rarely talked to him! I always talk to him, and try to make him something he isn't… I'm just a selfish… selfishly stupid and stupidly selfish girl."

"Being selfish is okay."

Eliza's response baffled Yuki for a second. She said exactly what she had in mind, "Huh?"

"You wanted what was best for your brother... You were doing things without knowing the full picture. There's nothing wrong with that!" Her rose-red eyes kept Yuki's back straight, a chill was sent down it by the pale gaze arising from Eliza. "But your brother is awful with people. He is at fault, not you."

Eliza stood up and walked backwards. Yuki didn't know how to process Eliza's words. Kazuki's at fault? But he's the sister that acted so foolishly...

"He told me that Kazuki died on that station... Liz, he told me that he's been dead all this time," Yuki said, choking up words. "I…"

Eliza said, "He's right... Kazuki is dead. Your brother is not the person who I thought he was." She continued to walk away, followed by the big guard.

Did something happen between Kazuki and Eliza? She seems so cold... "What happened?" Yuki raised her head, peering at Eliza, who stood by the kitchen counter.

"Nothing, he's nothing, it's nothing..." Eliza said She turned away from Yuki - stranding Yuki alone.

∗ ∗ ∗

So he's just like this to everyone? Makes sense. Such cruelty to his own sister, though? Eliza paused in thought, staring off into the distance within the public observatory. The lights from distant stars sparkled in Eliza's eyes.

Her face sharpened at the reality of Kazuki's situation. Such cruelty to his own sister?! Yuki did not deserve that! First the assassination attempt, then the attack… The Jara-Jins, Kazuki and even Yuki?!

These crazed things must stop… Irya and Kantos are dead, Eliza thought… It was a strange feeling, even though she shouldered Riharia's death, it was strange. They weren't fighters, she couldn't justify their deaths like that…

Was this all simply a mere consequence of her actions? Did… the Lawsuit scare Obadiah that much?! Rage slowly boiled up within Eliza. She has to do something! She has to… She has to make things right, do justice…

The first is obvious: Obadiah… But she still needs something from him. But how? The status of the lawsuit is in question… The Marquis and Delia haven't spoken to her, probably both busy with the fallout of the attack…

And Kazuki… Unreliable. She couldn't trust him. She's alone in this… Staring out into the stars, Eliza thought of how things must have been different so long ago.

There were a few telescopes available. Eliza peered through one, seeing dozens of light years away through its microscopic lenses and super-computer linked graphics… She could see the remnants of a battle, far away - the sight of it was unholy, all but a blur from that far away…

Things must change, she has to change. Eliza thought things could be done cleanly, but this is simply the fallout. No, Eliza has to play at their game. Kazuki's game. Gilbera's game.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

She has to adapt, and she must learn… She will always learn. And first on the list: is Obadiah.

Kazuki can come second. She will confront him once again after she wins the information from Obadiah… She'll prove that she can not only match him but surpass him.

She'll surpass Kazuki, make him bend to her whims, and make him apologise to all, including Yuki. Yuki's bright, joyous - far more than Kazuki will ever have in his capacity. If that was the case, then why did Eliza feel relieved?

Was she relieved that there was someone else who Eliza knew could understand?

"Why... would he say that?" Eliza asked. She gripped the bannister along the observatory's walls. "Does family mean nothing to him?"

After everything Kazuki has gone through, Eliza understands some changes to him. But this was beyond that. She accepted him for who he was, yes, but this was not Kazuki. Yuki was right... Even Kazuki himself said it: he's dead.

Then who was she talking to? All this time? Was she just speaking to Kazuki's carcass, the Contract-Breaker… Alive and thriving.

Cyrus interjected, "Family changes. It's never set in stone."

"What would you know?" Eliza snapped, turning back to Cyrus.

He gave her a cold, disgust-filled stare. "I don't care if you don't get along with Kazuki. My duty goes beyond such pleasantries... But make no mistake: I lost my family twice. The first one was slaughtered in the back of a refugee shuttle. The second was hung, quartered, bisected by a member of the Seven Mercs."

Eliza paused, thinking... She slowly nodded. Fuck... She shouldn't have snapped at Cyrus, he's just a guard after all - someone with their own life and wants. Yet here Eliza was, thinking she had it rough… A certain type of rough, yes, but still better than others. "My apologies, sorry Cyrus, I understand where you come from, but I cannot stand idly by what he's done, what he said! You heard it, berated his own sister till she cried."

"I won't protect him on that," Cyrus said. "He is capable of cruelties you can't even begin to believe—"

Her head snapped back onto Cyrus' face. What? Did Kazuki do something even crueller than this?! Just... how much does she not know of him?

"—and it's not nice. But he has lived through too much. Seen too much to live a normal life - that is what Kazuki means. He twisted his own words for cruelty's sake."

Seen too much?! Eliza has not known even half of what Kazuki must know. She raged once more. "What?! What about veterans then? They return to civilian life—"

"—broken and forgotten," Cyrus interjected. "Or they never return at all. Svenn told some of us back in Eden about veterans... You're lucky if you get into university or a decent job. Most fade into nothing."

Eliza grimaced.

Cyrus continued, "I might not have served the Republic, but we've suffered all the same. Some more than others. Some are more tired and sick of it. Think Eliza: would you have been the same if you went through a decade's worth of hell?"

"I..." Eliza had nothing to respond to that. "Yuki's just an innocent girl, thrown around verbally by her brother! And he lied to me about things, after he told me he wouldn't be keeping secrets anymore! Just... what could he be hiding from me?"

Walking around the room, Eliza wracked her head for an answer. There was barely anyone within the observatory. Cyrus followed after her. Wait... CYRUS! He must know something!

She snapped her fingers, pointing at Cyrus. "Cyrus! You must know something, right?!"

Cyrus stared at her. He sighed, shaking his head.

"What do you mean... no?" Eliza asked.

"I know little," Cyrus said. "He barely speaks, to begin with. Many Contractors see him for his actions, not for what we perceive him to stand by."

Maybe Cyrus was right with that assertion. Kazuki has been through so much, why should Eliza judge him? What even makes her viable to judge him? Someone that's been through hell and back… Just for her?

Guilt seeped through, but Eliza knew that she had to hold Kazuki accountable.

"There's a cost for everything Eliza... What was it called... the thing where everything that goes one way—"

Eliza answered before he finished, "Newt's 3rd statute!" She seemed excited to answer it, rather out of place, but she felt her words with some tact. "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction."

Cyrus nodded. "That. He went from a cog to a programmer. The burden of leadership is something he bears alone."

"Not alone…" Eliza murmured to herself. Who decided upon that? Yet who could Kazuki even talk to? Her? Kazuki lied, so why would he ever explain anything to her?

Eliza nodded. She understood that there were things she wouldn't even understand for Kazuki. But that was no excuse! She cannot forgive him! After everything he's said and done, she cannot forgive him.

The guard's head turned on a swivel, faster than Eliza's gaze as someone approached from the observatory entrance, rising up from the floor.

It was Noah! She felt thankful, after all, he was right! Sure, Eliza had no specifics but she knew she'd find out what Kaz had been hiding from her. "Noah!" she shouted.

He walked up towards her. He looked even more pale, his burgundy eyes avoiding her rose-red gaze. "Eliza... we need to talk."

"Noah?" Eliza pondered for a moment, before cutting in with her thoughts. "Wait, no, Noah... you're right. Kazuki's been holding out on me..."

He nodded. "Of course has," he said. He looked down to the side. "I've been able to negotiate with Obadiah. I ironed out some details, I think you should hear what he has to say."

"Eliza..." Cyrus peered back at Eliza. He lowered his voice so only she could hear him. "This is ill-advised."

"I'll... just get Fer-Charelota and Nimitz-Delia!" Eliza said. Noah shook his head, causing confusion within Eliza, does he only want her alone?

He said, "Obadiah told me specifically to only bring you and... well, he said no other participants in the meeting." Noah glanced up at Cyrus. "I dunno, he just seemed really paranoid on that, probably doesn't want to face Kazuki again."

"I won't be participating. I'll be guarding," remarked Cyrus. "Eliza... I must say that this is not a clever move."

"But you'll protect me, right?!" Eliza asked Cyrus, with Noah slowly walking up beside her.

He stopped. This was Eliza's chance! She had to snatch the opportunity; she might not have Kazuki but fortune favours the bold. She finally has her one shot to renegotiate with Obadiah.

Everything has fallen around Eliza's feet, but she knows she can rely on herself. The lawsuit might not go through since the Jara-Jins have passed, and her little alliance is still in the shadows of each other…

This was the only actionable course, to seize her own fortune. To prove that she has something worthwhile within her… To prove that she's more than just Victoria's sister, Annabelle's daughter, to show to everyone and Kazuki…

Eliza paused, correcting herself: to prove herself to all.

"I'll make sure no harm comes to you," Cyrus said. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Eliza took that as his approval, despite Cyrus' very open reluctance. "The Genius of Sarimba does not break, I'll find a way to get him to talk."

Noah smiled slowly, nodding at her. "We don't have much time. Obadiah's… To be honest, he seems worried about high Eclipse and back, we'll have to go now, you ready?"

She nodded, extending a hand out to Noah. He paused, looking down at it... Awkwardly, the two stood idle for a moment. Noah shook it. Eliza swore she could hear him mutter, "Thank you..." under his breath.

This was it! Her chance… She can finally prove her worth to the Marquis, to Iana and all of them… Maybe even her father?!

The sweet thought rotted through Eliza's sharp mind, melting through senses and logic.

Eliza followed Noah, as the two ventured through the Ball Station. Past the casinos, the shopping centre, the ballrooms, the Five Kasté Star Restaurants and all manners of luxury and recreation... until they reached the Suite Block that Eliza was familiar with.

The first time she was here, things came ahead and blood was spilt. The second, a threat was made. The third time had to be the charm, it simply had to, Eliza believed.

Black walls, guards around the walls and corners. Twisting long halls and rooms that seemed to go nowhere, it felt like a maze.

Without Iana Nimitz-Delia or Kazuki's protection, It dawned on Eliza just how chilling the place was. Eventually... they reached the hallway leading to the office, past the blast door and the suite's living room.

'Miss Elizabeth, is this truly the best course of action?' asked Synthia.

Eliza nodded, as Synthia sat on her shoulder. "This is," she whispered to her. "I have to do this."

'Kazuki… I should have known he was trouble from the start,' Synthia remarked. 'My apologies for not recognising that and advising you against meeting him again.'

Cyrus walked behind Noah and Eliza in silence.

She shook her head. Despite everything, Eliza understood that Synthia had her best interests at heart, even if she was just a tutor - that was something Eliza couldn't say of Kazuki… If something goes down here, Eliza knows he won't come.

As such: Eliza had to win, to prove herself here and now. She must fly, or die. "No… It's fine. Thank you, Synthia."

Eliza walked beside Noah, as equals. A level of tension from Cyrus rubbed off on Eliza, she could feel his moving eyes, scurrying from one target to the next. She felt butterflies along her stomach, yet kept herself steady - wishing not to show it to anyone.

Passing through even deeper, the trio emerged from the long halls - into a sleek and well-ordered office, Eliza saw the one person who had the answers she sought. Obadiah Cariana-Slynt, business monopolist.

The Businessman glared at her, Noah and Cyrus... And standing behind him was none other than Lady Antiar...

Fifth of the Seven Criminals, Lady Antiar Kelebori stood proud. She wore a white coat over her armour, with a cloak over her coat.

She looked Eliza up cautiously, and a sense of pity stared at Eliza; it was as if she was telling Eliza that this was a foolish mistake.

Lady Antiar had to be judging her! Dammit… Eliza grumbled, holding in a sigh of frustration. She'll get the information from Obadiah... She'll... convince him. She proves to them all - Lady Antiar as well.

However, it just started to dawn on Eliza, in the most sparse corners of her livid and active conscious mind, that this might have been a mistake. If Lady Antiar believes it, then perhaps it is…

Just what did Eliza get herself into? She didn't know, but she'll succeed anyway. Through sweat and tears and more.

"Welcome, you two," Obadiah said with a husky, focused and gritty voice. A small drop of sweat from his forehead betrayed his calm notion… Eliza learns quite quickly, but not as fast as Kazuki… Noah was right, perhaps Eliza can use his stress to gain an advantage…"Take a seat."

Everything now depends on her and Noah. Eliza has learnt their tricks… Kazuki's hard bargaining. Iana's confidence and Gilbera's integrity and face. Obadiah was most likely behind the attack, but in Lady Antiar's presence: he would not dare make a move. Using the tricks of her enemies on her enemies…

Eliza found some bittersweet justice in that… For the Jara-Jins, she thought to herself; this will do justice, she'll do it better than Kazuki ever could. Overconfidence flooded Eliza's mind.

She'll do it better, she'll make them all proud. She will prove herself! No matter what happens, she will, she must!

That confidence lit a blaze within her face and rose-red eyes, ready for anything. "Of course," said Eliza, her words oozing with spite, lies and venom.

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